A DRIED reedbed is being dug out to see if water quality at a Royston dyke can be improved.

Yorkshire Water has been investigating Sandybridge Dyke is creating a new double bend in it, with the design aimed to prevent damage to anything living in the water.

Yorkshire Water biodiversity advisor Kathryn Turner said: "We are keen to discover if habitat restoration can help streams like Sandybridge dyke recover from their industrial heritage and be more resilient in the future.

"We are hoping this habitat restoration will address poor water quality in areas (such as Sandybridge dyke) where multiple pressures are acting."

The site will open up the water's edge to more visitors and encourage Yorkshire freshwater species such as shrimps, mayflies and brown trout to return.

 

** The full story appeared in the Barnsley Chronicle newspaper, dated February 28. **