Norfolk stream restoration boosts wetland wildlife
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The Environment Agency, Norfolk Rivers Trust, and Water Resources East collaborated to create new wetland habitats at Keswick Marsh in Norfolk, England.
These groups reshaped over 7 hectares of riverbank along the River Yare, one of only 210 chalk streams worldwide, to reconnect it with surrounding land. The project introduced ponds, pools, and ditches designed to restore the natural water cycle, reduce flood risk, and provide diverse habitats for wildlife.
Lady Dannatt, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Norfolk, provided the 20-acre site for the restoration. Workers observed egrets, coots, shelducks, newts, dragonflies, foxes, and a little ringed plover visiting the newly created wetlands, indicating a quick return of wildlife. The project focused on creating “edge habitats”, areas where water meets land, to support a variety of species including inland wetland birds and amphibians. The work cost £97,764 and took three weeks to physically complete, following 2-3 years of planning, surveys, and fundraising.
Funding came from the Norfolk Water Strategy Programme, Anglian Water, and the Environment Agency. The groups involved intend to expand these “nature-based solutions” to improve water security in Norfolk, especially as the country prepares for potentially severe winter weather following a dry summer.
