Stocksbridge weir - partial removal
Completed in October 2023, The Don Catchment Rivers Trust undertook a partial removal at Stockbridge Weir on the River Don in Deepcar, Sheffield.
A stone block weir, sat on bedrock outcrop, it was constructed during the 1890s, impacting the river for for 130 years. The project was funded by the Open Rivers Programme, Environment Agency and Yorkshire Water.
Following the completion of this partial weir removal, 1km of the watercourse has been opened up upstream and 3.75km downstream.
Benefits achieved
Restored upstream and downstream fish passage
Restored natural flows back to 200m upstream of weir
Fish species benefited include brown trout, grayling and bullhead
Improved habitat quality with reduced sediment and increased availability of gravels for spawning
LOCATION
River Donn in Deepcar, Sheffield
DATE
Works completed in October 2023
SOLUTION
Partial removal of a stone block weir
Km OPENED
1km upstream and 3.75km downstream
Before & After
“Weirs, such as this one at Stocksbridge, are a legacy of our industrial heritage but they can block the natural free movement of fish, resulting in a loss of ecological diversity. Off the back of the hard work our partners have done in getting salmon to return to Sheffield, we are delighted to be supporting DCRT with projects now focused on tackling some of the remaining barriers in the Upper Don.”
