Ulverston Mill Weir Removal, United Kingdom

Introduction

Gill Banks Beck is a small watercourse located upstream of Ulverston, Cumbria. It marks the start of the Cumbrian Way and flows through a varied landscape of farmland and woodland before passing through Ulverston. Downstream, Gill Banks Beck joins Dragley Beck, which ultimately flows into Morecambe Bay (SSSI).

The ecological condition of Dragley Beck and its tributaries, including Gill Banks Beck, is currently classified as poor. Fish populations are particularly affected by physical modifications to the channel, specifically the presence of barriers. The existing weir represents a significant obstacle to fish movement. Its removal would restore connectivity along the watercourse, opening Gill Banks Beck to migratory species. This would provide access to valuable spawning and refuge habitats for UK priority species, including Salmo salar, Salmo trutta and Anguilla anguilla.

Project context and opportunity

The weir is located upstream of the market town of Ulverston, an area with a long history of flooding. Despite previous remedial works and the presence of flood defences, flood events continue to occur. By restoring the river’s natural flow path and bypassing the weir, the river can reconnect with its floodplain, helping to further reduce flood risk to the town.

If no action is taken, the weir’s deteriorating condition presents a significant risk of uncontrolled collapse, which could release large volumes of material into the river as it flows through Ulverston. The structure comprises a 1.2 metre stone-built face founded on 1.3 metres of soft clay that is increasingly exposed, creating a high-risk scenario. In addition, the project will improve access to upstream spawning grounds and habitats for priority species, supporting fish migration along the entire watercourse.

Project aims

The project aims to work collaboratively with landowners to identify, assess and develop designs for the most appropriate option to remove or bypass Ulverston Weir. The preferred solution will seek to renaturalise the watercourse, restoring more natural river processes while reducing flood peak risk to downstream communities.

By removing the barrier, the project will improve habitat quality and connectivity, enabling fish and other aquatic wildlife to move freely along the river. This will expand migration routes and improve access to upstream spawning and refuge habitats for priority species, including Salmo salar and Salmo trutta.

Once the best approach has been agreed with stakeholders, the project will progress through the necessary environmental assessments and permitting processes. This preparatory work will support a future funding application, with the long-term aim of delivering weir removal or bypass works during 2027-2028. Collectively, these outcomes will contribute to improved river resilience, biodiversity and flood risk management for the Ulverston area.