All these calls for dredging of rivers now, it won't work. Dredging was stopped many years ago

[arse-nick (avid-analogue-addict)]

because it had counter effect, in that the rivers being deeper were building up more silt, because of slower flows on 'normal' higher water levels.

And still councils give the go-ahead to building on water meadows and flood plains, cos houses close to rivers are nice to own. :-|

[bostonbrian]

[devongunner]

[Mo Britain less Europe]

[arse-nick (avid-analogue-addict)]

major problem for obvious reasons.

[devongunner]

and eventually trying to flow if not uphill then something similar. However I confess to not knowing the detail but dredging helped build up the banks as well thus making flooding less likely.

Why would there be gravel on top of the silt?

[arse-nick (avid-analogue-addict)]

http://therivermanagementblog.wordpress.com/2013/03/18/the-g eomorphic-effects-of-river-dredging/ (http://therivermanagementblog.wordpress.com/2013/03/18/the-geomorphic-effects-of-river-dredging/)

[arse-nick (avid-analogue-addict)]

http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/river-dredging.html#cr

[Mc Gooner]

IF gravel is present is high enough quantities then in the slower areas the smaller particles (AKA silt) will fall between the gaps of the gravel/pebbles

In the upper reaches of salmom rivers they have to regularly de-silt the rivers as salmon need gravel to lay/fertilise eggs

The type of rivers that are causing the problems in the south generally don't have as much gravel (if any) and the slowest sections just silt up from the mud eroded off the banks upstream. It is that which over time makes the rivers shallower and have less flow when it floods

Or summink :-)

[71 Guns - channeling the spirit of Mr Hat]

is only part...stopping intensive agriculture on risky land, planting trees, stopping scrub clearance, allowing rivers to take 'natural' courses etc etc. The EA (formerly National Rivers Authority) are no mugs but their hands are tied by politicians like 'No Wellies' Paterson & his ilk.