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Project

Riverlands: working to restore Cumbria's waterways

A view of Watendlath Beck Borrowdale, Lake District
A view of Watendlath Beck Borrowdale | © National Trust Images/John Malley

Rivers are life forces. They’ve helped sustain ecosystems, cultures and communities for millennia, their quiet power steadily shaping everything from landscapes to place names. But many of our rivers are under threat from climate change, pollution, and human-made changes to the landscapes and waterways, which is why the National Trust launched Riverlands.

The Cumbria Riverlands project stretches from Keswick in the north to Kendal in the south, across the central fells and finally out to sea. It encompasses the rivers themselves, the land which drains into them, and the rich array of wildlife and plants that call these varied habitats home. Together, these make up our ‘riverlands’.

Working with partners, our aim is to restore rivers and catchments to be healthy, clean and rich in wildlife; easily accessed and valued for their heritage and beauty; and with sustainable plans for their long term care.  We’ll post regular updates of the work we’re doing here, on this project timeline, so keep checking back to stay up to date.

Cumbria Riverlands Project

29 September 2025

Holding water at Windermere

Work is wrapping up for the year on our NFM (natural flood management) project above Windermere, and thanks to last week’s rain we’re already seeing the results of our efforts. 

We’ve created a series of ponds and scrapes across Common Farm and nearby Common Wood which will store around 11,500 cubic metres of water during periods of heavy rain, reducing peak flows down Mill Beck. They will dry out in between rainy spells, holding water at their deepest points, suitable as drinking water for livestock and wildlife, with wetland habitat perfect for a range a species around the edges. 

We’re monitoring the impact of the project by tracking water levels and flow rates against rainfall, as well as testing pH, phosphate and turbidity (sediment) levels.

Machinery will be on site for another week to complete this phase of the project and will return next year to create three more wetland areas.  

Our thanks to the Environment Agency for funding this project through their Natural Flood Management Programme. 

Digger excavating ponds at Common Farm
Digger excavating ponds | © National Trust/Hannah Haydock