Millennium Way & Battlefield Brook – A Natural Networks Case Study

In January 2023, North Worcestershire Water Management received a grant from Natural Networks for habitat improvements along the Millennium Way in Catshill. 

The site consists of a section of the Battlefield Brook (a Local Wildlife Site), a silted ditch channel and a linear deciduous woodland that surrounds both features. The project aim was to increase the availability and quality of wetland habitat while helping to alleviate localised flooding. 

The site is bordered by an arable field to the east and grazing pasture to the north and west, with much of the wider landscape consisting of urban settlements, major roadways and agricultural land. 

Enhancement works along the Battlefield Brook were completed in February 2023 and included: 

• Reinstating a silted-up ditch to the north of the site. 

• The creation of a shallow pond linking the ditch with the brook to increase water holding capacity in times of peak flow. 

• Bank reinforcement using natural materials (stone and timber replacing concrete bags) to prevent erosion towards the cycle path. 

• Creation of a braided channel to increase water holding capacity and provide vertical banks for water vole burrows. 

• Limited desilting, widening and reprofiling of the channel in targeted locations. 

• Removal of major blockages within the watercourse but retention of large woody debris to form ‘leaky dams’. 

• Management of tree limbs overhanging the path. 

• Creation of habitat/log piles. 

• Native wildflower planting – wetland and woodland. 

• Installing bird and bat boxes. 

• Litter removal. 

It is hoped that the new enhancements will hold back water in times of heavy rain, helping to reduce flooding whilst also improving habitats and providing new opportunities for birds, mammals and invertebrates along this important wildlife corridor.