About us

Severn & Wye Nature is an alliance of environmental non-profits working across the Severn and the Wye river catchments  – an area of national significance, rich heritage and untapped potential for nature.

But these landscapes are in crisis. Where we work, over 900 km2 of land is at risk of flooding. Family farms are struggling to adapt to ever-changing conditions. Water quality is declining, and valuable habitats are in collapse. The effects of climate change are felt across the entire landscape, from the mountains to the sea.

About us

Severn & Wye Nature is an alliance of environmental non-profits working across the Severn and the Wye river catchments  – a nationally significant landscape  that’s in crisis.

Over 900 km2 of land is at risk of flooding. Water quality is declining, and valuable habitats are in collapse. The effects of climate change are felt from the mountains to the sea.

We’ve joined forces to take action

By working together, we can think big. Our mission is to deliver major programmes that restore nature across the Severn & Wye regions – and also benefit those who live in, visit or operate in our regions.

The potential for nature’s recovery

91.5%

of waterbodies in the Severn basin lack a ‘good’ ecological condition, leaving huge potential for nature’s improvement

88%

of floodplain meadow in the Severn and Avon Vale is now lost or in decline, offering significant opportunities to restore these valuable habitats

10%

of the UK’s freshwater and wetland species face extinction and two-thirds are in decline. Working together we can turn this around.

A pioneering approach to nature restoration

Jonny Gios – Unsplash

Collaboration across borders

Our alliance was established in response to the environment crisis. It’s a vehicle for new approaches to nature recovery.

The partnership lets us work at bigger scale – creating schemes that run over county boundaries or link England and Wales.

By thinking bigger we can make it easier for government, impact investors and business to back ambitious schemes that make a difference.

Collaboration also means  breaking the barriers between people and nature. We’re looking for projects where helping nature also delivers for the people who live, work in or visit our landscapes, improves the water systems and strengthens the farmers who manage the land.

By working in collaboration, we can achieve more – on a dramatic scale.

Working with farmers

Farming is at the heart of our landscape.

Farms and small holdings drive food production and shape the environment for all. But many are under financial pressure. And with the climate also changing, our farmers are facing increasing challenges every year.

20,000

the number of farms and small holdings in our catchments

We’re committed to listening to farmers. By understanding their needs and listening to their experience, we can build sustainable, climate-resistance practices together – ensuring that nature and farming can thrive.

More about farming initiatives

Image: William Edge/Shutterstock.com

Tree planting on tennant farmland at Lodge Park, Gloucestershire
©National Trust/Paul Harris

Partnering with funders

Our landscapes are filled with businesses and organisations that drive prosperity and deliver vital services. Many impact on nature or rely on it for their success.

Nature recovery work costs money and we believe therefore that nature schemes should offer wider value to those who live in, visit or operate in the landscape.

By listening to investors and building programmes which store more carbon, attract more visitors,  deliver measurable biodiversity gain or improve our water systems, we can help businesses operate sustainably. We can deliver more for nature.

Work with us

Members of our alliance

Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust
Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust
Gwent Wildlife Trust
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust
Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust
Radnorshire Wildlife Trust
Shropshire Wildlife Trust
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust
National Trust
Severn Rivers Trust
RSPB

Our work in action

A major programme of work is already underway to improve the condition of the Severn river network, and restore its neighbouring floodplains. We’re partnering with farmers to create lush wetlands, plant valuable woodland and enhance our precious floodplain meadows. Find out more about this ambitious programme and how you can get involved here.

Learn more
Jed Owen - Unsplash
Jed Owen - Unsplash

Supporting partners

Natural England
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