Dam removal is the stage where barriers finally come down, and rivers flow freely again. Our A3 and A4 grants support the physical demolition of barriers – a grantee applies for an A4 when preparatory work was already funded by the Open Rivers Programme (for example, through an A2 pre-demolition grant) and for an A3 when no pre-demolition work is required or where the project was already funded by a third party.
The experiences of grantees show that success depends as much on communication and engagement as it does on engineering. Here are the key lessons learnt:
Prioritise thorough preparation and risk management. Successful demolition projects rely on robust planning. Detailed ground investigations, early aerial surveys, and securing all permits in advance minimises risks and delays. Factoring in weather and water flow data also ensures that site or weather conditions do not compromise the demolition plans.
“Good construction planning is essential, designed by experienced experts. Sufficient measurements and careful ground investigations should be done in the planning phase.”
Ensure strong on-site presence and qualified staff. Having experienced contractors, ecological teams, and project staff on site allows for quick decision-making and reduced health, safety, and environmental risks. Being present during demolition stages ensures issues are resolved promptly and standards maintained.
Secure realistic budgets, timelines, and documentation early in the process. Grantees point out the importance of avoiding optimism bias, locking in firm contractor quotes, aligning funder timelines, and finalising documentation early to prevent administrative setbacks.
Stakeholders remain important. Even when legislation allows removal, stakeholder involvement is still seen as critical. Grantees underline that legal approval does not guarantee community acceptance or support. The strongest message is that engaging stakeholders early in the process is critical, as it creates ownership, reduces resistance, and ensures smoother implementation.
Conflicts between authorities can complicate progress – early communication is key! Some projects encounter problems between different authorities. These conflicts slow down work and make coordination difficult. The lesson is that early communication and establishing clear roles between institutions are necessary to avoid delays.
When engaging communities, communication must be careful and precise. Along the same line, clear information and careful messaging are needed to prevent misunderstandings and mistrust. Holding meetings at the local level is especially effective. These participatory sessions give communities the opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and be part of the process.
The lessons learnt from the demolition grants show that dam removal is not only a technical task but very often can also be a social and political process. When these best practices are applied, demolition can move forward smoothly, communities can feel ownership of the process, and rivers can be restored to their natural, free-flowing state.
