River Biss looking downstream towards Handle House.
Improving the River Biss
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust’s Water Team are working collaboratively with Wiltshire Council to deliver improvements along the River Biss corridor in Trowbridge through funding awarded by the Future High Streets Fund. This is a central government programme that aims to renew and reshape the high streets and town centres to drive growth, improve the community’s experience with the town centre and ensure a sustainable future.
The Water Team has developed a suite of improvements along the River Biss in Trowbridge, aimed at improving the public realm along the corridor and providing opportunities for the community to better connect with the river. It is well known that spending time in and amongst nature has a positive effect on wellbeing, and it’s hoped the changes made through this project will create more places for people to enjoy and immerse themselves in nature along the River Biss.
Enhancing the corridor for wildlife has been at the forefront of the design process. The River Biss is currently classed as ‘moderate’ under the Water Framework Directive, with physical modification listed as a contributing factor. The Water Team are expanding the habitats, including suitable habitats for pollinators, to create a sustainable future for wildlife which will support diverse species populations long after the project is completed.
Our plans
The project will create improvements along the river corridor – this includes a new seating area next to the historic Town Bridge, a viewing platform overlooking the river by the Shire’s Shopping Centre, interpretation panels with information about the river Biss and replacing the ground cover in the existing planters with suitable native species.
River Biss looking upstream from The Shires Shopping Centre
Weir impeding fish passage at the River Biss.
The River Biss is a forgotten asset as it runs through a popular urban area within Trowbridge, and forms part of a key walking route. The elements outlined above are hoped to improve the community’s experience with the River Biss corridor, and promote further use of the path to move around the town centre.
Under the A Better Biss Approach project, a multi-year project that has aimed to improve the River Biss through its catchment, a river clean prior to works commencing will take place. A similar event took place in 2021 and was a great success, removing shopping trolleys, traffic cones, bikes and much more from the river.
Latest updates and milestones reached
April 2024 - Final designs for the out of channel works have been completed and a planning application has been submitted. The designs for the in-channel habitat enhancements are well underway, with hopes the applications and permits will be submitted soon.
Next steps - In 2026 we will begin removing the diseased trees including Ash which are suffering from Ash Die Back along the path to create space for a more diverse mix of native species that are more resilient to disease and better for local biodiversity.
Following the appointment of a contractro the public realm improvements will begin in Summer 2026.
FAQs
How will this benefit wildlife and why are the Water Team involved?
The Water Team were involved in the project through having previously identified key areas for improvements through the Save Trowbridge’s Rivers (STRIVE) project in 2019/2020 and submitting a successful business case to be awarded funding. The project links to key themes within the Future High Streets Fund: Show off the Jewels, Healthy Environment, Active Community.
With experience in large scale river restoration projects, the Water Team are well placed to deliver this project and ensure that promoting nature’s recovery and improving the community’s connection to the river is at the forefront of the project.
How have the public and stakeholders been involved so far?
The project ideas have been presented at multiple stages through the development of the design to the public and relevant stakeholders. In late 2022 the ideas were presented at an in-person event in Trowbridge. Here concerns were raised around how the proposals would resolve the issues of anti-social behaviour and in response the design proposal for the area next to the Town Bridge was modified to increase visibility and general attractiveness. Prior to this the designs had been presented to the Area Board and Trowbridge Town Council.
Why has no additional artificial lighting been added to the corridor?
The River Biss is a key commuting and foraging route for protected bats travelling through the urban areas of Trowbridge, and likely provides connectivity to the Bath and Bradford upon Avon bat Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
Introducing a new artificial light source has the potential to affect foraging and commuting features and have a severe impact on bats. Following several conversations with Wiltshire Council ecologists and exploring possibilities the decision was made not to introduce new light sources. Instead, enhancements will be made to make the area a more pleasant place to enjoy spending time and improving the communities connection to the river.
What will happen during the works?
Please check back on the website for details and updates. We will provide advanced notice of any disruptions that will take place as a result of the works.
We anticipate paths will be required to be closed temporarily for works to take place safely.
What are the other Future High Streets Fund projects? Where can I find out more?
More details on the other Future High Streets Fund projects taking place in Trowbridge and Salisbury can be found on the Wiltshire Council website:
Trowbridge - www.wiltshire.gov.uk/fhsf-trowbridge
Salisbury - https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/fhsf-salisbury
Why are you removing the trees?
The trees being removed are diseased many of them suffering from Ash Dieback, a fungal disease that makes them brittle and dangerous. We are replacing them with a diverse mix of native species that are more resilient to disease and better for local biodiversity. This allows more light to reach the riverbank, encouraging the more plants closer to the water to develop.