Over the years the Beane has been modified for flood defences and historic industries. The modifications include the addition of weirs for flood defence. Despite potential benefits weirs cause major problems for fish and eel passage, preventing them from easily moving upstream and downstream.
They also cause sluggish flow in the river directly upstream as well as the build up of silt and habitat damage, which in turn impact biodiversity.
Cedar Close weir bypass channel project is intended to contribute to the restoration of the
River Beane. The project is a partnership between East Herts Council, the Countryside Management Service and the Environment Agency. It is part of ongoing efforts to improve the Beane – a globally rare chalkstream.