A £5 million wetlands project in Somerset is set to revolutionize the local riverways, providing a natural solution to filtrate farm fertilizers through innovative planting methods. Wessex Water, in collaboration with Natural England and the Environment Agency, aims to create an Integrated Constructed Wetland (ICW) north of Shapwick, Somerset. This ambitious venture endeavors to enhance biodiversity and revitalize the area’s unique ecosystems and birdlife.
The ICW is designed to tackle the issue of nutrient-laden agricultural runoff, specifically targeting phosphorus, to mitigate the detrimental effects of eutrophication. By harnessing natural processes utilizing native plants and soil filtration, the wetland aims to improve water quality and create new wildlife habitats across over 25 hectares of company-owned land.
Lorraine Isgar, senior environmental scientist at Wessex Water, stated, “We’re committed to exploring natural treatments to improve water quality in our rivers and streams. This exciting project will test their effectiveness and aims to reduce nutrients, particularly phosphorus, before reaching the local watercourse, benefiting the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and providing additional wildlife and environmental advantages.”
READ MORE: Parking Permit Victory for Bath Residents
READ MORE: Local volunteers tackle overflowing bins at Wells' popular tourist spot
The initiative plans to divert flows from the Kent Drove Ditch through a newly-created wetland habitat and subsequently back to Mill Brook, while also repurposing excavation material to develop low-nutrient grassland. This multifaceted approach not only aims to enhance biodiversity but also integrate the site with the existing Hawk and Owl Trust Shapwick nature reserve.
Furthermore, the project promises to deliver public benefits, including the development of footpaths, educational spaces, and expanded visitor facilities in collaboration with the Hawk and Owl Trust. Adrian Blumfield, operations director at the trust, emphasized the significant benefits the project would bring to the National Nature Reserve and its conservation efforts.
The development, scheduled to commence in summer 2026 pending approval by Somerset Council planners, follows Wessex Water’s previous successful wetland project at Durleigh Reservoir. The company’s commitment to investing £1.1 billion by 2030 to enhance water quality is evident, with plans to extract 1,550 tonnes of nutrients from waterways.
Despite these efforts, Wessex Water has appealed to the Competition and Markets Authority to review spending limits after receiving a 17% lower investment than necessary to meet environmental goals and regional growth, as per the recent determination by regulator Ofwat.