Staithes Beck Multi-Pipe Ford - Replacement
Completed in October 2025, The North York Moors National Park Authority tackled of a multi-pipe ford on Staithes Beck where Trout have previously been recorded. The barrier has been replaced with a series of arched culverts to retain vehicle access to a caravan site on opposite side of beck.
Installed over 45 years ago, the ford included a series of 22 small pipes (each 150mm diameter) and presented a major flow barrier by generating flumes which disrupted fish passage and natural geomorphological processes. Evidence of sediment starvation in bedrock reach downstream from the ford along with an impounding effect upstream and loss of morphological diversity. Immediately downstream from the ford the channel was also overly steep due to modifications and only slackened out after 11m.
Construction project undertaken in 7 weeks from mobilisation, initial feasibility and engagement for project started in 2022.
Addressing this barrier has opened up 2.2km of watercourse.
Benefits Achieved
Removed the first barrier fish encounter on their migration upstream from the coast on Staithes Beck.
Provided better continuum within the river, providing low flow passage options at bed level and enabling sediments to be distributed more naturally without starving the downstream extent.
This project was funded by The North York Moors National Park Authority, the Environment Agency and corporate sponsorship.
LOCATION
Staithes Beck
DATE
October 2025
SOLUTION
Series of culverts installed
Km OPENED
2.2km of watercourse
Before & After
“The ford access is much better now and the work has made a big positive difference”
