Conservation
The Lower Ouse Internal Drainage Board are involved in The Lower Derwent Project. In partnership with the Environment Agency, Natural England, Yorkshire Water, The Ouse and Derwent IDB and the Wilberfoss and Thornton Level Drainage Board, the project has concentrated on the sustainable management of the Lower Derwent Valley in Yorkshire.
The project was established in response to concerns about the future of the nationally and internationally important river and flood meadow (or ings) habitats. A computer model package was used to simulate river flow, water level and velocity. An ecological model was developed based on the selection of ecological indicator habitats and species. The indicators chosen were species or communities well known to require a particular water regime and ones which had reasonable data available on their ecology and status in the Lower Derwent Valley.
A management plan has been produced for the Lower Derwent Valley for the period 2005-2010. The plan marks the finish of the Lower Derwent Project. However, the project partners will meet annually to review progress and make any adjustments needed to the plan.