How we will achieve outcomes:
A typical project involves working with landowners on the ground and supporting them to make interventions to tackle flood, nature or carbon. Many of the interventions support all three objectives.
Creating highly biodiverse wetlands
Wetland regions are among the most valuable habitats for biodiversity. Covering just 3% of the UK, they support 10% of our wildlife species. But over 90% of our wetlands have disappeared over the last century, leaving wildlife in severe decline. Not only are these habitats invaluable for the survival of rare and significant wildlife, but they also absorb and store water like sponges, slowly releasing it over vast wetland plains. By creating a chain of these ecological powerhouses along our riverbanks, we can effectively slow the flow of floodwater, protecting valuable agricultural land.
- Demonstrated nature improvement
- BNG credits
- Natural flood management
Expanding woodland for multiple benefits
There are multiple benefits of introducing more woodland into our landscapes. Introducing woodland creates a natural obstacle to slow waterflow, slowing water movement across land. Riparian woodland (or woodland that borders water) acts as a natural water filter, trapping sediment and pesticides before they pollute vital water systems, and dense roots systems that support riverbanks against erosion and collapse. As well as reducing the severity of flood events, trees also provide river shade, which maintains a cooler water temperature to boost aquatic biodiversity, while woodland habitat supports a variety of important wildlife on land. Mature woodlands store large amounts of carbon, both in the woodland but also in any timber that is harvested and used.
- Carbon storage- Woodland carbon code credits
- BNG credits
- Natural flood management
Enhancing important floodplain meadows
Floodplain meadow is some of the most valuable, diverse and resilient land in the UK, offering significant potential for farming and nature to thrive side-by-side. These expansive plains of flat land provide ample space for floodwaters to spread safely – but they’re also incredibly adaptable and nutrient-rich, making them ideal for sustainable agriculture. High-quality grasslands are perfect for grazing livestock, while supporting a wealth of biodiversity, improving water quality, and providing carbon storage.
- BNG credits
- Natural Flood management
- Carbon storage- Codes TBC