Stream channel stability and forest drainage in the new forest,hampshire

The Forestry Commission carry out drainage work in the uninclosed portion of the New Forest which includes cutting artificial drains and deepening and straightening natural channels. This paper, based on observation of operations on 53 channels for periods up to eight years between 1962 and 1975, examines the geomorphic results of such work. Of 24,000 metres of channel inspected, 24 per cent by length showed erosion, 40 per cent deposition and 36 per cent no apparent change since the work was executed. The subsequent pattern of erosion and deposition within the channels is governed largely by channel slope, but also by the nature of the superficial material and the width: depth ratio of the excavated channel. It is suggested that the choice of some preferred width: depth ratio for a given channel slope might reduce erosion. Instances are given where erosion might be described as severe, 0.5 cubic metres of material per metre of channel per year in two cases, but it appears that after a few years channels stabilize and erosion is also arrested by growth of vegetation.