DEFRA have announced a Woodlands for Water project, planting circa 3,150ha of woodlands along rivers and watercourses in six targeted areas across England by March 2025. Of those 6 areas, the River Wye Catchment is included, and specifically targeted are the Dore, Dulas and Lugg tributaries of the Wye to mitigate extreme water flows, algal bloom and general habitat protection.
The aims of the project are:
- to help to improve water quality by blocking the run-off of pollutants into watercourses and preventing erosion
- manage flood risks by slowing the flow of water
- enhance biodiversity by creating new habitat corridors
- making rivers more resilient for climate change by providing shade and cooling water temperatures, aiding fish
- adding to networks of habitats
The project is to be carried out by the Riverscapes Partnership working with The Rivers Trust in the Wye Catchment alongside the Wye & Usk Foundation with an intended focus of planting at least 50ha of riverbank along each of the 3 rivers.
It is of course essential that the right species of trees are planted in the right place, failure to do so could result in negative environmental impacts.
Should you require further information about this scheme, please do not hesitate to contact Ellie Watkins on 07495 006808 or ellie.watkins@ruraladvisor.co.uk