The Cronkhill area before work began. Photo credit: Worker Drones UK
The Cronkhill area after. Photo credit: FDA Design
Work has begun on a nature restoration project at the National Trust’s Attingham Estate supported by the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme.
The project is one of the SVWMS’ eight demonstrator projects to have received funding and will test approaches that aim to reduce flood risk within the upper River Severn catchment area.
By making changes including creating wetlands, restoring ghost ponds, and planting trees to slow the flow of water through the estate, land on the Attingham Estate has the potential to store an additional 22,000 cubic metres of water.
Pete Lambert SVWMS Demonstrator Project Manager, said:-
“This collaborative effort is energetic and inspiring, driving research into future economics, creating the conditions for inward investment and setting out how land and water management might be shaped.
“The Demonstrator Projects are examples of best practice and show how by playing our own part we can all influence the wider water management strategy for the benefit of all.”
Jane Birch, National Trust Project Manager, added:-
“We’re delighted to be receiving funding through the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme to help us to ramp up our ambitions for nature recovery at Attingham Estate. By demonstrating how to harness the power of nature to improve water management across a complex landscape we hope to inspire wider adoption of similar approaches.”
The National Trust will be working with the tenant and farmer and volunteers to help deliver the project and its effects will be reported to help inform the wider SVWMS proposal which seeks to preserve and enhance the Upper Severn catchment by creating thriving communities and resilient environments through sustainable and holistic water management including nature-based and engineered solutions.
