A groundbreaking flood prevention and river restoration initiative near the Exmoor National Park has been honored with the prestigious UK River Prize. The project, located near Minehead, Porlock, and neighboring villages, aims to protect local communities from flooding while rejuvenating the health of the surrounding river systems.
The National Trust’s Holnicote Estate, in collaboration with the Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) and local farmers, spearheaded the innovative scheme. The project involved implementing a pioneering river restoration technique known as ‘Stage Zero,’ imported from Oregon, USA. The technique focuses on reconnecting the river to its floodplain, creating around seven hectares of new wetlands and rewilding a 1.2-kilometer stretch of the River Aller.
The comprehensive project also included filling in the river’s straightened course, planting thousands of native trees and wildflower seeds, and strategically utilizing timber to slow the flow of water through the floodplain. These efforts have resulted in improved biodiversity, increased water storage capacity, and enhanced resilience of the river to extreme weather conditions.
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Ben Eardley, the National Trust’s project manager, expressed his delight at receiving national recognition for the project, citing positive early results such as significant reductions in flood peaks and enhanced water clarity. The project’s success was attributed to the collaboration of partners, the dedication of local farmers, and ongoing community support.
Stewart Clarke, the trust’s national freshwater specialist, highlighted the project’s pioneering use of the ‘Stage Zero’ technique and its potential to revolutionize river restoration in Europe. The initiative demonstrates the promising prospect of creating wetland reaches within river networks to support natural processes and enhance river health.
Additional flood prevention and biodiversity work has been carried out at Tivington Farm, further upstream from the River Aller scheme, as part of a broader effort to restore the health of vital river catchments. The initiative reflects a six-year collaboration between the National Trust and the Environment Agency, emphasizing leadership and innovation in the field.
Looking ahead, the Somerset Rivers Authority has committed funding towards a new study by the Exmoor National Park Authority, focusing on restoring the upper catchment of the River Barle. The study aims to explore methods for reconnecting the river to its historic floodplain, strategically slowing and spreading water to mitigate flood risks and enhance environmental conditions in the region.
To learn more about the River Aller project and opportunities for volunteer involvement, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/appeal/porlock-vale-riverlands-appeal.