Historically, burns and watercourses, particularly in urban areas, were straightened and hidden underground as culverts. This process increased land drainage allowing land to be redeveloped more easily. In recent years, it has been shown that altering watercourses in this way can increase flood risk and negatively impact the natural environment. The Caldhame Burn in Brechin town centre is the first in the catchment to be opened and restored as an overground feature to improve urban amenity and biodiversity.

The ‘Daylighting’ of Caldhame Burn has created a more natural wetland in the town centre. By bringing the bed of the stream back to the surface and restoring it to a more natural form, Brechin Den has become a more attractive, nature-rich place to visit. Many species that depend on the water environment can now access this important habitat. The banks of the burn have been planted with wetland plants such as Marsh marigold, Purple loosestrife, Meadowsweet and Yellow flag iris. These plants prefer to live in areas where the flow of the burn spills out into the floodplain. Locally sourced, native wildflower seed has been sown and has transformed the area into lush wetland meadow.

Natural processes force streams to alter their course over time. Riverbanks tend to erode on the outside of meander bends, where the force of the water is greatest. This erosion can increase overtime, and the meander will move further and further out into the Den. To reduce the risk of this happening, a ‘willow spiling’ wall has been created; a series of living willow stakes sourced locally were driven into the ground at intervals, with thinner rods weaved around the upright stakes until they form a wall.

The daylighting of the Caldhame Burn has been catalyst for urban river restoration works across Angus led by Angus Council Parks and Environment Teams.