Why is it vital that we make space for water?
We’re in a climate and ecological crisis, and biodiversity in the UK is declining. Our rivers are some of the unhealthiest in Europe, and have been so heavily modified that they don’t function naturally. The UK is also facing a water scarcity crisis, as we continue to abstract water from rivers for drinking at a rate we can’t keep up with.
Why we need change
Our heavily modified rivers aren’t fit for purpose
An estimated 85% of the UK’s rivers and streams have been changed by human activity - straightened or disconnected from their floodplain, for example. This has stopped them from functioning as they naturally would, and changed the relationship between land and water. Our landscapes now cannot cope with climate impacts like flooding from storms and heavy rainfall. 20% of UK homes and 80% of UK farmers have already felt the negative impacts of these changes in our environment.
The UK faces a growing water scarcity crisis
The UK Government has warned that England alone will need an additional 5 billion litres of water a day by 2050 to support a growing population that already uses 14 billion litres. That’s equivalent to 35% of our current consumption. However, rising temperatures, falling river levels and declining water quality are threatening a future without clean and plentiful water that people rely on.
We have some of the unhealthiest rivers in Europe
Only a third of the UK’s river stretches are in good ecological health, with many in a dire state as a consequence of physical modifications, intermittent agricultural and road run-off and continuous discharges from sewage treatment. These spaces should act as nature’s highways but instead are left in persistently poor condition.
Biodiversity across the UK is declining
On average, UK species have fallen by 19% since 1970 and just 3% of England's land is effectively protected and managed for nature. Pollinators, native mammals and freshwater species that once thrived in our rivers, like Atlantic salmon and brown trout, are on the brink of collapse.
Making space for water can help us address these issues. Re-thinking how we use the land right alongside rivers can be powerful. Creating space around a river and allowing a watercourse to restore its natural function can have huge benefits for so many of us:
What might space for water mean for you?
I am affected by flooding or drought
Giving rivers room to recover builds resilience against flooding and drought
By creating space for water to be held around the edges of a river (such as connected floodplains and wetlands) less water rushes downstream to cause floods in rain events, and water stays available in dry periods
It can protect our homes and businesses. Floods and droughts can cause huge economic and emotional damage, and put lives and livelihoods at risk. Restoring a river’s natural function can reduce this risk.
As flooding and drought events become more intense with climate change, we need affordable, nature-based solutions. Making space for water by creating connected nature-rich river corridors can help offer this
I care about wildlife and nature
Nature-rich river corridors are vital for wildlife, and giving rivers room to recover boosts biodiversity. Creating habitats to nurture everything from dragonflies to kingfishers will help reverse the loss of species from our landscapes
Shaded rivers keep water temperatures cooler in heatwaves. This helps keep aquatic species alive and healthy, including fish like brown trout and endangered Atlantic salmon
It will help clean our rivers, too. Natural habitats like wetlands, floodplain meadows and woodlands alongside a river’s edge can reduce the amount of pollution from land getting into the river
Wildlife corridors can join up different habbitats, connecting them to provide vital space for species to move, thrive and adapt to climate change
These corridors also offer space for species reintroductions, and can be the perfect conditions for species like beavers to be brought back into the landscape, where they can help manage the ecosystem naturally
I am a farmer or land manager
Creating connected, nature-rich river corridors can boost biodiversity and safeguard the future of food production.
Making space for water alongside rivers and connecting them with their floodplains helps to reduce water, soil and nutrient loss, which can boost long-term farm productivity
Healthy soils reinforced by careful water management can support stronger pasture and lead to healthier livestock
Storing more water on your land and slowing the flow with riparian vegetation, healthy soils, wetlands, and woodlands reduces downstream flooding and drought stress
Nature-rich river corridors are created that offer vital habitat for wildlife and can help us reverse biodiversity decline
Reliable, impactful payments for storing water would improve economic stability and can be a more economically resilient option than crops. We know farmers need more support to restore rivers, so we’re calling on government to boost funding
I am a swimmer, paddler or angler
Giving rivers room to recover reduces pollution and makes rivers healthier for swimming, paddling or playing.
Flooding can make activities like swimming and rowing dangerous. Nature-rich river corridors, with wetlands, woodlands and buffers, can help regulate water flow. Year-round, they slow rain reaching our rivers, easing flooding and drought
Anglers are often the eyes and ears of a river, and see first hand how our freshwater fish populations can dramatically decline with pollution, or are affected by flood or drought
Connected river corridors act as a physical barrier preventing some pollutants, such as agriculture and urban run-off, reaching rivers, making them safer for us all to enjoy
Spending time in nature supports our health. Restoring natural riverbank habitats can help these blue and green spaces be powerful for our wellbeing