Revitalising the riverbank: Transforming riparian corridors with tree planting
As we enter the 2024 /2025 tree planting season, we visit three sites that are establishing woodland near rivers as part of the Woodlands for Water project.
23/11/24
Winter is the ideal time for tree planting, during the cold, wet weather, trees are dormant and have the opportunity for roots to establish before putting all their energy into growth when spring comes around. As we enter tree planting season, the Woodlands for Water team are busy prepping to plant a collection of riparian woodland sites, as part of the England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO), boasting a number of benefits that will enhance biodiversity, keep our rivers cool and help to reduce harmful runoff from roads and agricultural land.
Williekeld Sike, Cumbria, planted by Eden Rivers Trust
A 7.2ha site currently an area of low-quality grazing land, is being planted with a native broadleaf mix and extending an area of semi-natural wet woodland habitat.
The benefits of this riparian woodland include helping the land to store water better, slowing the flow during heavy rainfall, reducing the risk of flooding, and improving water quality by intercepting agricultural runoff, nutrients, and sediment, stopping it from reaching watercourses. The trees will also help the land retain moisture during dry spells, provide shade, and enhance biodiversity.
In addition to tree planting, this season Eden Rivers Trust are installing six leaky dams along a 900m stretch of watercourse on the site. Another Nature-based Solution, these will encourage water to spill out during heavy rainfall events to further increase water storage while creating a new habitat for wildlife.
Thirlmere fell side, Lake District, planted by West Cumbria Rivers Trust
A 6ha site that is mostly bracken and not ideal for grazing, so is being planted with a native broadleaf mix.
This woodland creation will see new habitat creation on a site that currently has little diversity. The trees will provide shade to upland streams, keeping them cool during warm weather to help ensure good water quality.
This site is owned by United Utilities, and West Cumbria Rivers Trust is working closely with them and the farmer as part of their valley-scale plan to increase resilience and protect the water in Thirlmere reservoir.
Steen’s Bridge, Humber Brook, Hereford, planted by Wye & Usk Foundation
A 3.59ha site, split into five compartments that sits either side of the Humber Brook, in an area prone to flooding during winter. A mix of native broadleaves that are suited to wet conditions will be planted in four of the compartments that are within a flood zone, including alder, native black poplar, aspen, bird cherry, willow and pedunculate oak. In the fifth compartment that sits outside the flood zone, a different mix has been selected, including holly, rowan, oak, small leaved lime, wych elm, spindle and guelder rose.
Primarily, woodland creation at this site aims to aid with flood mitigation by slowing the flow of water and increasing soil infiltration, which will ultimately benefit communities downstream. Tree planting here will also help to stabilise the river bank and prevent soil erosion. Areas of open space will be created along this stretch of river corridor to provide dappled shade, keeping the water cool during warmer months. This new woodland will also enhance biodiversity by providing additional wildlife habitat for shelter and foraging.
Funded through DEFRA, the Woodlands for Water project is being carried out by the ‘Riverscapes Partnership' which includes experts from The Rivers Trust, National Trust and Woodland Trust. Working across 6 river catchments and the whole National Trust English estate, the partnership provides expert advice and assistance on creating new riparian and strategic catchment woodlands that will benefit the wider landscape.
Top image: Eden Rivers Trust