Work will begin this summer in Kendal’s River Kent as part of the town’s flood defence scheme.
The Environment Agency said the work would take place at Mintsfeet Nature Area, Gooseholme and Waterside.
It has been made possible by the annual ecological working window opening on the River Kent.
The River Kent is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC) in recognition of its importance as a habitat for protected species, including white-clawed crayfish and bullheads.
It also supports other protected species including otters, kingfishers, and Atlantic salmon.
To safeguard these species and the ecological health of the river, in-river work can only take place during a defined seasonal window, typically running from July to the end of September when the risk of disturbance to spawning fish and other sensitive wildlife is at its lowest.
For work at Waterside, the in river working window was permitted to start in June.
Work at the Mintsfeet, Gooseholme and Waterside areas will include gravel reuse and removal, removing redundant assets on the riverside, building scour protection around new outfalls, and the removal of temporary working platforms within the river.
Environment Agency project manager Alex Cowin said: “The in-river working window is a critical period in the delivery of the Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme.
“The River Kent is a precious natural environment, and we have worked closely with Natural England and our ecological advisers to ensure everything we do in and around the river respects and protects that designation.
“Being able to carry out this work at Mintsfeet, Gooseholme and Waterside this summer is a really significant milestone.
“These are prominent, well-loved parts of Kendal, and completing our works here will make a real and lasting difference to the protection we can offer to local residents and businesses.”
When complete, the Kendal and Upper Kent Catchment Flood Risk Management Scheme will better protect over 1,920 homes and 2,250 businesses from the impact of flooding.
As well as delivering flood protection, the scheme will bring environmental benefits including landscaping and planting of native trees, shrubs and wildflower seeding, all providing improved habitats for wildlife along the riverbank.
People are asked to follow any signs and temporary access restrictions in place around the work sites during the construction period.
