A major river clearance programme has started in the Mearns. Over £1 million worth of heavy equipment is on site at Bridge of Mondynes to clear sediment from the Bervie water to prevent further risk of flooding.
“The Bervie and Forthie Waters have been trained by man for hundreds of years and this is part of a long and ongoing water management process,” said Bervie Water training co-ordinator Fred Powada.
“Left to themselves, the watersheds hereabouts would become completely waterlogged and worthless and were in the distant past, depending on the season, almost impassable. They were called a ‘mosses’ but that really means mostly bogs.”
He has seen his own home at serious risk of flooding, with water from the river lapping against the fence around his garden.
“Over time, water usage in the area has become more intensive, with several watermills once working and then in times of need the river also being used for irrigation. A huge amount has been achieved, and the work now continues a long process.
“This is recognised by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency which has provided guidance to John Lohoar, manager of Glenbervie Estates, and Macphies of Glenbervie, who have been undertaking the work with their own resources and local contractors, George Johnstone of Drumlithie and Robert Keith of St Cyrus.
“The material removed from the river is being immediately recycled, being used to resurface some of the estate roads.”