Hatchford Brook, Warwickshire Wildlife Trust

The Hatchford Brook a 4km tributary of the River Cole. Flowing through the eastern side of Birmingham and Solihull and eventually feeding into the Kingshurst Brook. This heavily modified and straightened watercourse has been used by the area’s population areas for surface and sub-surface drainage for decades and is subject to numerous weirs limiting fish passage along the river.

In June 2026, Practicality Brown were commissioned to undertake the design and implementation of two rock ramps adjacent to Bell Walk. As part of the tendering process we were asked to provide a concept design to improve fish passage along this modified section of the river and on commissioning provide the labour and materials to install the proposed design.

• Concept design of two rock ramps including one over an IP gas main and the other across a road bridge
• Supply of 18t of 500-700mm rip rap stone
• Supply of 18t of 100-150mm gabion
• Supply of 18t of 20/40mm washed gravels
• Supply of all plant and labour to install the rock ramps

• Liaison with utility supplier over the installation of the rock ramp up to the IP gas main
• Tight access off busy roads for materials and plant deliveries/collections
• Fire risk to adverse weather conditions

The use of rock ramps negated the use of removal of the weirs and the important infrastructure they support. With their installation it has opened up approximately 1km (about ¼ of the total length of the river) for fish passage up to where the brook passes under Birmingham airport

The use of local suppliers of stone and plant have ensured that both the carbon footprint was kept low whilst keeping the finished project remained in keeping with the local area.

The reuse of excavated vegetation adjacent to the gas main was replanted upon completion of the works to provide immediate vegetive cover to the area.