Commercial traffic returned to the Avon in May 2010, as part of a scheme to build flood defences at the town of Pershore, following flooding in 2007, which caused damage to a number of properties.
Clay banks are being constructed, with most of the material coming from Birlingham, further downstream.
Some 15,000 tonnes of clay is being excavated and transported by barge to the construction works.
At Birlingham, the excavation will be managed to create a wetland reserve for wildlife, with 32 acres (13 ha) of wet grassland and 5 acres (2 ha) of open water and reed beds.
Worcestershire Wildlife Trust is working with the landowner to create the reserve, which will be called the John Bennett Reserve.
The use of barges to transport the clay is estimated to save 3,000 lorry trips between the two sites.
Commercial traffic returned to the Avon in May 2010, as part of a scheme to build flood defences at the town of Pershore, following flooding in 2007, which caused damage to a number of properties. Clay banks are being constructed, with most of the material coming from Birlingham, further downstream. Some 15,000 tonnes of clay is being excavated and transported by barge to the construction works. At Birlingham, the excavation will be managed to create a wetland reserve for wildlife, with 32 acres (13 ha) of wet grassland and 5 acres (2 ha) of open water and reed beds. Worcestershire Wildlife Trust is working with the landowner to create the reserve, which will be called the John Bennett Reserve. The use of barges to transport the clay is estimated to save 3,000 lorry trips between the two sites.
River Avon, Warwickshire