Kearsney Parks Project Boosts River Dour Fish Habitat

Opening up and re-naturalising a culvert which once powered a water mill in Kearsney Abbey is set to improve fish stocks in the River Dour, a rare chalk stream habitat flowing through the park.

The works are part-funded by the Environment Agency to improve fish habitats in the River Dour, a key 2021 environmental outcome of the River Basin Management Plan for the Stour Catchment.

The culverts in Kearsney Abbey are typical of many structures built to harness the River Dour to power the thirteen mills which historically operated in the area.  These structures, however, have resulted in low fish populations. 

Culverts can easily become blocked by debris and litter, restricting river flow and causing gravel spawning grounds to silt up.  They also impede fish migration and increase flood risk. 

Opening up the culverts will improve the gravel stream bed so that there are more opportunities for fish to spawn, building up a more robust fish population over time.  The River Dour supports a significant colony of brown trout, along with eels and lamprey.

Once the work to open up the culverts is complete the riverbanks will be stabilised and re-seeded, along with marginal planting to further improve biodiversity and provide shelter for fish.

Cllr Oliver Richardson, DDC’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Commercial Services, said: “As well as enhancing biodiversity, opening up the culverts in Kearsney Abbey creates a stunning new look for the park.  Alongside the Lottery funded restoration and improved visitor facilities across both Kearsney Abbey and Russell Gardens, even more people will be able to enjoy this stunning parkland setting.”

Barrie Neaves, East Kent Catchment Co-ordinator for the Environment Agency, said: “We’re delighted to have worked with DDC and the Kearsney Parks project to re-naturalise the culverts in Kearsney Abbey which will have a significant impact on fish migration and spawning.”

Note to Editors: River Dour fish habitat improvements, including re-naturalising the channel at Kearsney Abbey, is one of the key measures for the Stour Catchment in the Environment Agency’s River Basin Management Plan for the South East.