Work is starting this week on the construction of 114 metres of flood defences in Kendal.
The work will start along the River Kent at Clarks as part of the £76million Flood Risk Management Scheme which when complete will reduce the risk of flooding to 1,480 homes and 1,100 local businesses across the River Kent catchment.
Before work began, as well as a survey to identify any nesting birds, a tree assessment was carried out to identify and record all trees and woodlands which could be affected by these works.
A small number of trees will have to be removed in this area, along with some needing to be cut back. All work will take place with an arboriculturalist present with sensitive techniques being used. Once work is completed, trees will be replanted to complement the rich grasslands species that are being introduced.
Stewart Mounsey, flood risk manager for Cumbria said: “Construction of the £76million Flood Risk Management Scheme for Kendal is progressing, with contractors now starting work to build a flood defence wall along the River Kent near to Clarks.
“The work in this location will take around five months to complete and will involve building 114 meters of flood defence wall, constructed on top of six metres of sheet piling. When finished, the wall will be finished in smooth concrete with sections being topped with a handrail.
“Before work began, a survey to identify any nesting birds was carried out as was a tree assessment. Sadly, some trees will need to be removed, but we are committed to planting species-rich grasslands and more than 4,000 trees across the whole area.”
