Replumbing our landscape
Rivers and wetlands are the lifeblood of Cumbria’s landscapes, essential for wildlife and vital for our communities. But for too long, we’ve treated these natural systems as problems to be managed—straightening rivers, draining wetlands and cutting off floodplains.
The result? A worrying increase in flood events, declining water quality and a significant loss of biodiversity.
Making Space for Water is all about turning the tide—restoring the natural flow of water to benefit both nature and people.
The importance of healthy waterways
Healthy rivers and wetlands do more than just support wildlife; they’re crucial for our well-being. They slow down water, reduce flood risks, improve water quality and create habitats that teem with life.
In the UK we’ve lost 90 per cent of our wetland habitats in the last 100 years and over 10 per cent of our freshwater and wetland species are threatened with extinction.
Wetlands make up only 3 per cent of the UK but are home to around 10 per cent of all our species, so they are vital for the species that remain
The devastating floods of 2015, where over 7,000 homes were flooded across Cumbria, are a stark reminder of the challenges we face in managing extreme weather and the action of natural flood management – restoring wetlands, reconnecting rivers with their floodplains and planting trees – works with nature to slow water flow, reduce peak flood levels and increase resilience.
Replumbing our landscape
But there’s hope. By restoring natural features like meanders, wetlands and ponds, we can bring these ecosystems back to life.
Recent studies show that river restoration projects can reduce peak flood flows by up to 30%, significantly lowering the risk to communities downstream. It’s about more than reducing the impact of floods — it’s about creating landscapes that are richer, more resilient and better able to support life in all its forms.
Cumbria Connect's Success Stories: Leading the Way
Cumbria Connect is already showing what’s possible when we make space for water.
Here are some standout examples from our partners.
Re-Wiggling Swindale Beck
At Wild Haweswater, the re-naturalisation of a 500-metre stretch of Swindale Beck in 2016, has transformed a straight drainage channel into a re-wiggled river, thanks to the combined efforts of the RSPB, United Utilities and the Environment Agency.
It is a project that’s already showing incredible results. This restoration has reduced peak flow rates by over 20%, cutting flood risks downstream and creating new habitats for species. Wild Atlantic Salmon are once again spawning in the beck and the water quality flowing into Haweswater Reservoir has improved, benefitting over 2 million people who rely on the water supply.
It’s a powerful demonstration of how working with nature can deliver real benefits for wildlife and people.
Read more
Restoring Rivers and Wetlands
Over at Lowther Estate, they’ve reconnected the River Lowther with its ancient floodplain, allowing the river to reclaim its winding path through wetlands and grazing meadows.
This project has revitalised over 50 hectares of floodplain, bringing back species like amphibians and wading birds.
More importantly, it’s part of a wider strategy that has seen a 25% reduction in flood peaks in the Lowther catchment area, offering increased protection to downstream communities.
On-Farm Water Habitats
And then there’s Hunger Hill Farm, where a small but significant wildlife pond is making a big difference. This project, though modest in scale, has created a crucial habitat for local amphibians, insects and birds and is part of a broader movement that has seen more than 1,000 new ponds created across Cumbria in the last decade.
These ponds play a vital role in enhancing local biodiversity and improving water retention on farmland, demonstrating that even small-scale interventions can have a huge impact.
Current project: River Lowther Project
In early February 2025, the River Lowther breached its banks causing a significant collapse at a stretch near Bampton, impacting the local public footpath. This was following two named storms – Isha and Jocelyn – in the previous month.
The breach and bank collapse is a symptom of broader and growing issues of a changing climate and increasing the likelihood of more frequent flood events which affect the local community.
Cumbria Connect is working with Eden Rivers Trust and other agencies to bring together relevant stakeholders from landowners, local communities and authorities to help co-ordinate and identify potential responses. Consultants from Dynamic Rivers, are studying the area’s hydrology to help guide future decision making to support the landowners and community to identify possible solutions for flood mitigation.
Contact us
Want to get involved or learn more about our work to restore our rivers and wetlands?
Reach out to us – we’d love to connect.
Fill out the form below and our team will be in touch to answer your questions, share volunteer opportunities or discuss ways you can support species recovery across Cumbria’s landscapes.
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