INSECTS, plants and fish have new habitats on the River Blythe in Brueton Park following a restoration project.
Over the past month, the river, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and nationally recognised as important, has seen a number of improvements as part of a bid to improve biodiversity in Solihull’s green spaces.
Obstacles have been removed and replaced, including the poorly functioning ‘rock ramp’, while new pools, riffles, and point bars along the back water channel to the lake have also been created.
The works were designed and managed by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and carried out by Five Rivers Environmental, in association with Solihull Council and the Environment Agency.
The new developments are said to improve the flow of water in the river and provide better habitats for river species, protecting wildlife and biodiversity in the area and continue to allow public enjoyment of the landscape in this location.
Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, cabinet member for Climate Change and Planning, said: “I was delighted to see first-hand the finished restoration works at Brueton Park. It’s important for us as a Council that we continue to protect and enhance our biodiversity in our vegetated areas such as parks, gardens, rivers and woodlands.
“By developing our green spaces with projects like this, we can further enhance the local environment and natural capital value for a diverse range of habitats and species, and for Solihull residents.”
There are further plans in place to support growth on the new areas of bare soil along the riverbank, in Spring 2026.