Wetland Restoration

Here are some wetland restoration projects we have completed for landowners across Cornwall & Devon and the South West. These wetland projects are at the forefront of working with nature and natural capital, improving biodiversity, preventing downstream flooding and soil erosion, removing contaminants from watercourses, sequestering carbon and mitigating the effects of climate change.

 

This wetland restoration project within the Dartmoor National Park was completed in late 2022, and involved working with a variety of key stakeholders. Lost Habitat were initially engaged as a specialist consultant. We worked closely with the landowner providing a feasibility report as part of a planning proposal to the Dartmoor National Park Planning Department and were able to obtain funding as part of the Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme. We are looking forward to seeing this project progress and will update with our finding soon.

Another wetland restoration project we created within the Dartmoor National Park, also completed in late 2022 as part of the Devon Wildlife Trust Up Stream Thinking Programme. We were privileged to have had the opportunity of completing this project for the landowner and with Devon Wildlife Trust’s Working Wetlands Team. The project included a mosaic of aquatic habitats for holding back water and slowing the flow back to the river, from shallow scrapes and pools, to a few larger ponds for greater water capacity. As part of the deign we also include added wildlife attractions such as habitat piles for refuge and raptor posts for birds of prey. We were able to work sustainably, obtaining all material required such as stone or timber from site.

Our first wetland creation project for the Devon Woods Project, as part of a larger natural flood management and woodland planting scheme in Rackenford, Tiverton. Completed in spring 2023, we incorporated a series of meandering watercourses leading from an upper header pond, eventually finishing into a large newly created wildlife pond at the lower end. Water catchment and improvement of water quality are key to this projects success.  A diverse habitat creation for aquatic flora and fauna which will eventually sit on the edge of woodland with 4,000 newly planted trees. A pleasure working with the landowners, Natural England and Devon Woods delivery team.

A collaborative wetland creation, and natural flood management project in Tavistock jointly funded by Devon Woods and Devon Wildlife Trust. Completed late spring 2023, the project was key to the Up Stream Thinking Programme by way of mitigating downstream flooding and pollution caused from agricultural run-off and sedimentation due to narrowing of the River Lumburn from the adjacent field. Large leaky woody dams were positioned in the river to significantly slow the flow and prevent further bankside erosion. Wetland habitat was created alongside the river with a series of meandering scrapes and pools. Tree planting will finish the project later in 2024. A great example of working with a variety of stakeholders, including landowners, farmers, the Environment Agency. Updated images will be added later in the year, when the River Lumburn is in full flow!