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River Bollin Riverlands Project at Dunham Massey

An aerial of the river Bollin meandering through the Dunham Massey estate
An aerial of the river Bollin meandering through the Dunham Massey estate | © National Trust Images / Chris Lacey

As part of a national programme to improve the health of rivers across England and Wales, we've launched the River Bollin Riverlands project. The project will include Dunham Massey, Lyme, Quarry Bank, Alderley Edge and Hare Hill.

The River Bollin meanders through Cheshire and the southern fringes of Manchester, flowing by many places along the way, including Lyme, Quarry Bank, Dunham Massey, Alderley Edge and Hare Hill. The largely rural and agricultural nature of the catchment gives way to the Greater Manchester conurbation to the north.

The River Bollin is part of the national Riverlands Programme which has the following three key aims;

  • Rivers and catchments that are healthy, clean and rich in wildlife.
  • Rivers and catchments that are easily accessed, valued and loved for their heritage and beauty.
  • Sustainable long-term care for rivers and catchments.

We’ll also be working with local communities to help them rediscover and reconnect with their rivers – as spaces for leisure and activity, to socialise, or simply take a walk beside the water and clear their minds.

On this timeline, we'll be posting regular updates of the work we're doing on the project, so keep checking back in to stay up to date.

Latest updates

1 February 2024

Environment Agency grant to fund peatland surveys

We'll be restoring lowland peat at three woodland areas at Dunham Massey over the next two years. A new grant of £64,667 from the Environment Agency’s lowland agricultural peat water discovery pilot (‘LAPWDP’) will allow us to carry out detailed surveys to better understand the extent and nature of these peat soils.

This will allow us to produce a wider water-management plan and provide recommendations focussing on the possibilities of re-wetting, associated methods and future management of the c.10 hectares of land.

Peatlands play a vital role in trapping carbon and also provide lots of wider benefits such as improved habitats and biodiversity, better water quality and natural flood management. 

You can read more about the lowland agricultural peat water discovery pilot here.

Our partners

Natural England

Natural England is the government’s adviser for the natural environment in England. They help to protect and restore our natural world.

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Environment Agency

Environmental Agency is a public body sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, working to create better places for people and wildlife, and support sustainable development.

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Mersey Rivers Trust

The Mersey Rivers Trust is a charity working in partnership with all those interested in improving our local rivers and waterways.

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