Meet the people and businesses who are making space for water
The power of Making Space for Water lies in creating the right space in the right place.
This range of case studies explores how different stretches of river across the UK have been improved by wetlands being created, trees being planted along the water’s edge, floodplains being reconnected, and even wild beavers doing their thing. In some, the summer water temperatures have been dramatically reduced, and in others, biodiversity has returned.
Creating buffers, reducing run-off and boosting biodiversity on a dairy farm
High Oaks Farm is a family dairy farm in Cumbria. Using nature-based solutions (including river buffers and sediment ponds), it reduced nutrient run-off into the River Petteril.
Riparian vegetation keeps water cool—a lifeline for salmon in a changing climate
Monitoring showed riparian shade massively reduces water temperatures. Without shade, temperatures reached levels that threatened fish survival.
Moving from drainage to a sponge habitat
River Aller, Selworthy Farm on the Holnicote Estate, Somerset
River buffers boost Upper Conwy’s climate resilience
The dramatic terrain of Upper Conwy in the north of Eryri may look resilient and rugged but it's very vulnerable to climate change. Urgent action has been required to slow the flow of water from the mountains into the rivers, to protect communities and keep the landscape special for future generations.
Letting nature lead: Beavers building climate resilience
Clinton Devon Estate manages large areas of farmland, woodland and river corridors - including parts of the River Otter catchment. In recent years, sections of the estate have become home to a holistic natural flood management (NFM) approach: beavers.