Re-connecting Wetland and Peatland

What is it?

The Re-connecting Wetland and Peatland project is a large-scale restoration programme focused on restoring Cheshire’s rivers, floodplains, wetlands and peatland systems to improve ecological resilience and reconnect natural water processes across the landscape. 

Over many decades, drainage, channelisation and land-use change have degraded these habitats, disconnecting rivers from floodplains, draining peatlands and reducing the extent of ponds, reedbeds and wet grasslands. This has contributed to habitat fragmentation, increased flood risk, declining water quality and reduced carbon storage. 

The project will restore natural hydrological processes through river restoration, wetland creation, floodplain reconnection and natural flood management interventions designed to improve resilience for both people and nature. 

Why is this needed? / Why are we doing this?

Wetlands and peatlands are critical natural infrastructure assets that support biodiversity, water management and carbon storage. 

Historic drainage and river engineering have weakened the landscape’s ability to naturally manage water, increasing pressure on communities, infrastructure and ecosystems. At the same time, important wetland species have experienced significant habitat loss and fragmentation. 

This project has been developed to restore resilient water landscapes across Cheshire while supporting flood resilience, wildlife recovery and long-term environmental sustainability. 

The programme also supports evidence building for natural flood management and the future re-establishment of wild beaver populations in Cheshire. 

What is it going to deliver?

By 2030, the project will deliver: 

• Floodplain reconnection projects
• River restoration and in-channel modifications
• Natural flood management interventions
• Restoration and creation of ponds, reedbeds and wet grasslands
• Wet woodland creation
• Peatland restoration and improved hydrological resilience
• Advice and engagement for landowners on wetland management
• Riparian planting and improved land management
• Support for wetland species recovery
• Establishment of a wild beaver population in at least one Cheshire catchment
• Improved carbon storage, biodiversity and water resilience 

The overall ambition is to reconnect Cheshire’s wetland landscapes, restore natural water systems and create resilient habitats that benefit both wildlife and communities. 

LNRS Priorities and Actions / LNP Goals:

LNRS priority species supported through the project include: 

• Water vole
• Lesser silver water beetle
• Mud snail
• Lapwing
• Atlantic salmon
• White-clawed crayfish
• Common clubtail dragonfly 
• Desmoulin’s whorl snail 

LNRS reintroductions supported through the project include: 

• Beaver 
• Large heath butterfly