Ennepetal: More space for flood defences and nature

With the restoration of a tributary to the Heilenbecke to a near-natural state, the Ruhrverband has successfully completed a further project for the ecological development of watercourses in Ennepetal. Immediately following the construction of the new ‘Wittenstein’ bridge, the
previously severely constricted stream channel was widened and restored to a near-natural state over a length of around 100 metres. The aim of the project is to provide the watercourses with more space for floodwater discharge whilst simultaneously improving their ecological quality in a sustainable manner.

Thanks to the widening, the watercourse will have more space to spread out during flood events in future. At the same time, living conditions for animals and plants have been significantly improved. To this end, the Ruhrverband installed a total of 20 structural elements made of deadwood, which specifically guide the flow of the water and create diverse habitats for fish and small invertebrates. In addition, ten trees and other species of woody
plants suitable for the site were planted. The remaining riparian vegetation is intended to develop largely naturally in future.

To ensure the long-term success of the project, the development of the watercourse will be supported by targeted maintenance over the next two years.

The planning was carried out by the Ingenieurbüro für Landschaftsentwicklung (ILS) in Essen, whilst the construction work was undertaken by the gardening and landscaping firm Rosenkranz in Velbert. The project was carried out in close consultation with the town of Ennepetal and highlights the good cooperation between the town and the Ruhrverband in the development and maintenance of watercourses.

The construction of the new ‘Wittenstein’ bridge had become necessary after the structure suffered considerable damage during the floods in July 2021. The now-completed watercourse development project has taken the opportunity to make the adjacent section of the stream more sustainable: providing more space for the watercourse improves flood protection whilst also enhancing the ecological diversity of the Heilenbecke.