Man-made features
Bridge
A bridge is a crossing place over a stream.
There are some footbridges for pedestrians at Woodgate Valley.
Ford
A ford is a shallow and flat place in the stream where vehicles can cross easily (or people).
Weir
This weir by the ford is a series of steps. It helps to control and slow the stream water down in times of flood. This will help to reduce erosion and flooding further downstream. The weir also adds oxygen to the water, which is good for wildlife.
Weir
This weir also slows down the stream water and adds oxygen. Debris (branches etc) collect here and can be removed later. It can also be used as a crossing point.
Gabions
The gabions at Woodgate Valley are to stop erosion of the stream banks.
The gabions in this picture are to stop the stream banks eroding back towards a path.
These gabions are made from rocks which are held in place by wire cages.
These rocks are much harder than the normal stream banks (soil, clay), so are much less likely to be eroded (worn away).
