River Wear in Durham being cleaned for visitors and otters

Durham County Council is working with Durham Cathedral to improve the safety and appearance of paths along the River Wear by cutting back overhanging trees and vegetation; clearing the paths of mud, leaves and debris and scrubbing and repainting fences.

Channels will be dug to alleviate excess water pooling on paths and holes in the brickwork cleared to allow water to run into the river.

With guidance from the Environment Agency, the council is clearing the river of debris that has built-up across its weirs, particularly the lower weir at Milburn Gate.

This includes a small-scale hand clearance of debris and ensuring the fish pass is clear but areas such as the upper weir, near Floss Mill, will be left intact as it is known to be home to otters.

Otters have been returning to the River Wear after the natural population declined in County Durham between the 1950s and 1980s, and it is hoped that the population of the species will continue to increase.

To protect the otter population, which is starting to grow after a decline in the 1950s to 1980s, the council will do ecological assessments to ensure work does not disturb the animals or the area where the otter’s holt resides.

Cllr Mark Wilkes, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and climate change, said: “We want to ensure that our city is a clean, tidy and attractive place for both residents and visitors.

“We have a beautiful walk along our river which so many enjoy, so we want to ensure it remains safe to use while preserving the iconic views of the river, the city, and historic landmarks which can be seen from these paths.

“We will be carrying out significant ecology reports to ensure that the population of otters in the River Wear will not be affected by the works to the weirs, and we are working with all partners such as Durham Cathedral and the Environment Agency to bring forward this plan to improve the area for visitors.”

Oliver Sherratt, Durham County Council’s head of environment, Jamie Fletcher from the Environment Agency, and Cllr Mark Wilkes, Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and climate change

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