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River Bollin Project at Quarry Bank

A view of the weir at Quarry Bank, with a huge volume of water cascading over
The weir in the River Bollin at Quarry Bank Mill, Styal, Cheshire | © Ian Shaw

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 Quarry Bank, Dunham Massey, Lyme, Alderley Edge and Hare Hill.

What's happening at Quarry Bank?

The river Bollin sits at the heart of Quarry Bank, powering the wheel of the mill that played an integral part in the Manchester Industrial Revolution. To improve riverland habitat here we are restoring 11 ponds, creating one new pond, improving 1,300m of the Bollin and restoring around 1,400m of tributaries to the watercourse.

Where is the River Bollin?

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

 

What is the Riverlands project?

The River Bollin is part of our 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.

A new investment of almost £1m from the Government's Species Survival Fund will support these projects, protect fragile ecosystems and create nature-rich landscapes. The fund was developed by Defra and its Arm's-Length Bodies. It is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England and the Environment Agency.

Riverlands Bollin is a part of the Freshwater Community Grant Fund. This fund supports community initiatives to restore freshwater habitats in England. In partnership with Defra's Species Survival Fund, the scheme aims to award a total of £75,000 to local initiatives. Applications are now open for community groups to submit bids for this funding. You can find out more about the Freshwater Community Grant Fund by clicking here.

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

June 2025

Species Recovery Project – Chapel Woods

Work is currently underway in Chapel Woods to improve water quality, boost biodiversity, and create thriving habitats for wildlife. These efforts will also encourage the growth and diversity of wetland plant species.

To support this, 35 engineered log jams will be installed at natural pinch points along the watercourse. These structures will help to slow the flow of water and trap silt, creating better conditions for aquatic life.

Approximately 650 metres of four-strand wire fencing will be erected to protect vulnerable areas. This will allow vegetation to establish naturally and help stabilise the eroding embankments.

Native shrubs will be planted to create a healthy understorey in parts of the woodland where soil compaction and erosion are less severe. Species will include hazel, hawthorn, holly, wych elm, rowan, oak, crab apple, guelder rose, dog rose and field maple.

To further enrich the woodland floor, a small number of ferns, ramsons and bluebells will be carefully relocated from nearby areas. These species will help to establish a diverse and resilient ground flora beneath the new shrub layer.

Glossary of key terms

A close up of a kingfisher with a fish in its mouth perched on a branch

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Our partners

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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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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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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Defra's Species Survival Fund

A short-term programme to create and restore habitats and reverse the decline of species across England, delivered on behalf of Defra.

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People's Postcode Lottery

Supported by players of People's Postcode Lottery.

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The working mill is the beating heart of Quarry Bank. Set in picturesque gardens and countryside, explore one of Britain's greatest industrial heritage sites.

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Keep up with the latest updates from the River Bollin Project as we work to improve the health of the river along the catchment at Dunham Massey.