Council begins latest phase of waterway works

A council has begun the second phase of major improvement and repair works to rivers and millponds in Derbyshire.

Bolsover District Council started the second stage of the £850,000 project at Pleasley Vale in February to "enhance biodiversity, improve the historic water infrastructure and reduce flood risks" to surrounding businesses and residents.

This follows the "successful" completion of phase one of the project, which included "maintaining the safety and integrity" of the dam wall along the River Meden.

Leader of the authority, councillor Jane Yates said: "It is vitally important that we balance the needs of the environment with the needs of our tenants and users of the mills."

An ecological baseline study undertaken prior to phase one confirmed "low levels of biodiversity on the site," the council said.

Phase one focused on ecological, structural, and safety works, including repairs to water management features, habitat assessments, vegetation management, and wildlife protection measures.

The team also carried out detailed surveys of the River Meden's culverts and developed a planting plan to support the long‑term health of the riverbank.

The authority said wildlife including bats, Great Crested Newts, toads and nesting birds were "carefully monitored" to ensure environmental compliance and protection.

Phase two of the works includes repairs to dam walls, culverts and riverbank walls as well as the desilting of mill ponds to increase capacity and restore biodiversity.

It also includes new aquatic planting to create new habitats for wildlife.

Bolsover District Council is also working with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, which is carrying out surveys and assessments to ensure no wildlife is harmed during the works.

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