River Till Wetland Restoration Project

The River Till Wetland Restoration Project is an exciting, and pioneering project aiming to work with farmers and land managers to re-connect the River Till with its natural floodplain.

Floodplains are those low lying, seemingly flat areas of land adjacent to our rivers and streams. The inundation of these areas by floodwater is a natural phenomenon, which gives parts of the countryside its unique character. These areas are rich in wildlife, supported by a range of wetland habitat from pools and ponds, to reedbeds and swamps, wet grassland and woodland.

From the early hunter/gathers to modern agriculture, people have always been attracted to live and work in these areas. As our floodplains have been settled and cultivated, the land has been drained and defended. This practise has gone on for centuries but it accelerated rapidly in the post war years. Within a rural catchment like the Till, the majority of the 30km of flood defences, protect agricultural land. All these structures are privately owned, however the Environment Agency and its predecessors have undertaken maintenance and management activities.

As a nation, our attitude towards, and management of floodplains is changing, and the spectre of global warming alone, makes it inevitable that this will continue into the future. Changes in Government thinking with regards to flood risk management, suggest that future funding is more likely to be directed towards protecting homes and infrastructure. The challenge is how to adapt and plan ahead for these changes.

The River Till Wetland Restoration Project has been set up to demonstrate that there are now real opportunities and financial benefits for farmers and land managers to restore wetland habitats along the River Till.

The River Till Wetland Restoration Project, is a partnership between the Tweed Forum, Environment Agency, Natural England, the Northumberland Wildlife Trust, and the Farm and Wildlife Advisory Group. Initial funding for the project has been from the Northumbria Regional Flood Defence Committee, and the Environment Agency.

Over the next 30 months our aim is to restore or create a range of nationally threatened wetland habitats that reflect the true richness of our floodplains. The Receding floodwater. Milfield Plain. By kind permission, George Dodds project however aspires to be more than simply wildlife driven. Wetlands in their various guises can make beneficial contributions to:

• Diffuse pollution reduction

• Flood management

• Carbon sequestration

• Tourism and recreation

• Education and research

• Local economy

This is a voluntary scheme with absolutely no obligation to become involved. However there are distinct advantages and financial incentives to do so. Farmers and land managers can expect to get their capital costs, HLS application process and fees associated with the organisation design and implementation of the works. Those wishing to become involved will have a real opportunity to plan for inevitable change and will gain access to free professional help relating to hydrology, flood risk, engineering solutions etc.