Work will start this month on a significant restoration and resilience project to improve a stretch of the River Pang and the lower reach of its tributary, the River Bourne, on the Englefield Estate in Berkshire.

The River Pang is a chalk stream that begins near the village of Compton, on the North Wessex Downs, and flows to its confluence with the Thames, at Pangbourne. It faces the challenges of historical modification, climate change, pollution and invasive non-native species.

Chalk streams originate from underground chalk aquifers, and their crystal-clear waters, stable temperatures, and chemical composition make them especially rich in wildlife, including iconic British species such as brown trout, eels, water voles, otters and kingfishers. Approximately 85% of the world’s chalk streams are found in England, so their condition is extremely important.

The work will restore natural processes, reinstating the river’s original shape, reconnecting the river with its floodplain and improving associated habitats. The aims of this restoration are to help reduce the likelihood of flooding incidents that have, in the past, affected up to 140 properties downstream in Pangbourne, Tidmarsh and Sulham and made some roads impassable, to enhance the resilience of the river and surrounding land to droughts, floods and climate change, to improve water quality and to support wildlife within and near the river.

James Meade, Head of Rural Property and Land, said: “We are pleased the Estate can support downstream communities by making them more resilient to flooding, whilst also ensuring nature and wildlife can thrive in this highly important and rare habitat.”

Since 2023, topographical, ecological and historical surveys have been carried out, alongside stakeholder engagement, informing the design, planning and permitting process for the works. River restoration specialists Cain Bioengineering have designed and will deliver the works.

Historically, the river was straightened and dredged, resulting in a shortened, over-deep channel with bunded banks that prevent water from spilling out across the adjacent fields during periods of flooding. Extensive work to ‘re-meander’ the river, restoring natural bends and curves will be carried out. Alongside reshaping the channel to a more natural “dish-shaped” profile, the resulting lengthening of the river and reconnection with its floodplain will allow floodwater to spread out when needed and water to be stored within the soil to reduce the effect of droughts in dry summers.

‘Leaky dams’ will be installed on a floodplain ditch, also helping to slow the flow of water during extreme rainfall events. The conditions of the channel for fish will be improved through the addition of large woody debris and gravel sourced from the site. Places where gravel has been excavated will be transformed into new ponds and wetlands.

The confluence of the Bourne and the Pang was significantly modified in the past and this will be re-naturalised, providing additional river and wetland habitat and working to filter silt out of the water before it enters the Pang.

The aim is to ensure materials used are sourced on site wherever possible, reducing the project’s carbon footprint, maintaining geological integrity and minimising the risk of bringing in invasive species. During the work strenuous efforts to minimise disruption to wildlife will be made, including stopping work in November when trout start to spawn.

The Estate is excited to be able to support the objectives of the Pang Flagship Chalk Stream Partnership – made up of communities, landowners, environmental organisations and decision-makers - working together to create a cleaner and healthier River Pang and its catchment. Englefield Estate is responsible for just over 2km of the river and is one of the landowners in this partnership.

Englefield’s Education and Environment Officer Dr Liz Mattison said: “We are thrilled that delivery of this ambitious collaborative project is starting. More than three years in development, the works will restore the River Pang at Englefield to its natural chalk stream shape and condition, providing beautiful habitats to nurture river and floodplain wildlife whilst helping to alleviate flood risk downstream.”

For this project, the Estate is working in partnership with the Pang Valley Flood Forum, the Lead Local Flood Authority (West Berkshire Council) and Thames Water. The Estate has also received advice and assistance from other partners including the Environment Agency, Action for the River Kennet and the Tidmarsh Fly Fishing Syndicate. Design and delivery would not be possible without funding provided by Mend the Gap, the Thames Regional Flood and Coastal Committee and Thames Water’s Water Industry National Environment Programme.