Using field cameras, we have monitored river levels and floodplain interactions at various sites in the New Forest, both before and after wetland restoration.
The devices were installed on trees where there was a good view of the river channel, and were set to record every 15 minutes, at 10 frames per second during daylight hours.
What have we seen?
During high rainfall events, the floodplain interactions have been significant on restored channels such as the Avon Water at Wootton. The sequence of images below show the nature of this particular New Forest stream in high flow conditions:
- Visible overtopping of the bank top
- Floodplain reconnection
- Gradual recession back into channel over a period of time, as the water levels drop.
