The weir was raised at 12 noon on Wednesday 29th November and the occasion was also an opportunity to find out more about this important project. 

Historically, most of the flow reaching the lower Crane has been diverted down the Duke of Northumberland's River. This project aims to split the available flow more evenly between the two rivers and thereby improve flows in the lower River Crane for the benefit of people and wildlife. 

The lowering of the weir will allow more water down the lower Crane during medium and low flow periods. 

The test will not alter the current flood risk on either river. 

In addition to river level monitoring over the coming months, water depth and velocity will be observed at multiple sites along the Duke of Northumberland's River and Lower Crane each month. The ecology will also be monitored through habitat, fish and invertebrate surveys.