Open Rivers Programme Funds Barrier Removal in Skjerva
Dokkadeltaet receives support from the Open Rivers Programme: Skjerva in Gran municipality to be reopened
Dokkadeltaet Nasjonale Våtmarkssenter AS (DNV) has been awarded €95,000 in funding from the European Open Rivers Programme for nature restoration in the Skjerva watercourse in Gran municipality. The funding will be used to remove two barriers in the river system, allowing the river to function more naturally again — improving conditions for fish, biodiversity, and the river’s ecological dynamics.
“This is simply a fantastic grant. The Open Rivers Programme is very clear that projects must deliver real ecological benefits. Receiving support from them for the second time is both a vote of confidence and a great opportunity to carry out a measure that will make a real difference for the river and biodiversity,” says Lea Hoch, Head of Conservation and Nature Restoration at DNV.
Removing barriers – restoring the river’s natural function
Barriers such as culverts, weirs and other modifications can significantly reduce the ecological status of rivers and streams. They may block fish migration, alter water flow, and disrupt the natural transport of sediment. When such obstacles are removed, the watercourse can once again develop in a more natural direction, providing higher-quality habitats.
“Many watercourses have been affected by both small and large interventions over time. When we remove barriers that no longer serve a purpose, life returns to the river. It’s about giving the river back its natural dynamics — and letting nature do part of the work itself,” Lea says.
The Skjerva project will help to achieve:
– freer fish migration– improved spawning and nursery habitats– a more natural river course and hydrological dynamics– increased biodiversity and improved water quality
Nature benefits can appear quickly
In many restoration projects, ecosystems respond relatively quickly once physical barriers are removed and the river regains more natural conditions.
“We often see results faster than many people expect. When fish can migrate and the river regains natural variation, life returns: better spawning grounds, more varied riverbed substrates, improved habitats for invertebrates — and a more resilient ecosystem,” says Lea.
The European Open Rivers Programme supports projects that deliver clear and measurable ecological benefits through the removal of barriers in rivers. The funding awarded to DNV strengthens the implementation of a project that will improve the ecological condition of Skjerva and provide long-term positive effects.
Strengthening DNV’s focus on restoration and conservation management
The Open Rivers Programme grant fits well with a development already underway at DNV: increased capacity and a stronger focus on practical nature restoration and habitat management.
DNV works with restoration and conservation measures in rivers, wetlands, and cultural landscapes, providing services to municipalities, public agencies, and private stakeholders — from planning and design to on-the-ground implementation and environmental follow-up.
The Open Rivers Programme is funded by Arcadia. Arcadia is a charitable organisation working to protect nature, preserve cultural heritage, and promote open access to knowledge. Since 2002, Arcadia has awarded more than NOK 1 billion to organisations around the world.
