Several residents have shown concern about a different level of water in the stream than they are used to seeing, especially around the stone bridge and are afraid the stream is blocked.

The Leaky Dams to the North of the stone bridge are designed to slow the flow of the stream, especially after heavy rain, to allow more water to collect and seep into the wetland. This means that the wetland area will not dry out as much as it did, which will help to improve marshy habitat for plants like the marsh marigold and willowherb. Dragonflies, damselflies and moths will benefit. Some of the birds that used to feed here like the snipe and water rail may return.

This is all part of the Bristol Avon Rivers Trust project relating to the Avon Flood Management Plan, to not only improve the wetland but to use it to help hold flood water back in areas around the county to prevent flooding downstream and into the city.

Please rest assured that this is being monitored by BARTS and The Friends of Leap Valley. It may look like the stream is blocked but at the forth Leaky Dam the water is flowing well.