Nature-based solutions
Nature based solutions are now being used alongside traditional engineering solutions to deliver more resilient services and wider benefits for people and nature.
As part of Catchment First, we’re making investments in a series of landscape scale habitat projects. Delivered in partnership with environmental charities, these include large floodplain restoration and wet woodland projects, pond creation, hedgerow planting and community education projects.
To illustrate just one of our Environmental Improvement projects, we’re currently delivering an innovative co-designed management plan in partnership with the South East Rivers Trust. The project involves the creation of 51 leaky woody dams, 14 ponds, 300 metres of river channel improvements and 16 hectares of wet woodland enhancement. We’re making this investment to hold more water in the landscape above our drinking water abstraction, helping our services remain resilient during periods of dry weather and low flow.