Stockton’s Wetland: a Hub For WIldlife And Flood Resilience
An exciting new wetland creation project at Stockton’s Wetland is underway. Located on the floodplain of the River Ribble near Long Preston, this project will convert an unproductive area of agricultural land into a vibrant wetland ecosystem, offering significant benefits for wildlife and local communities.
The heart of Stockton’s Wetland will feature two interconnected ponds, one of which includes an island created from existing soils. As with all of our projects, the design keeps nature in mind and incorporates a variety of depths including shallow margins and deeper zones.
Once construction is complete, we will plant a handful of trees around the pond area. Other than this, we will allow the area to re-establish naturally. In time, we will make records of the species that make this area home.
what benefits does stocktons wetland provide?
Stockton’s Wetland is set to deliver a wide range of benefits. Wetlands are among the most biodiverse native ecosystems, and they support countless plants, insects, amphibians, birds, and mammals. Stockton’s will will provide safe havens for these species. Additionally, by slowing and filtering water, the wetland will also prevent sediment and pollutants from entering the River Ribble. Through this action, the wetland will safeguard water quality for downstream ecosystems and communities.
With climate change intensifying flooding risks, the wetland will also act as a natural flood management system. By capturing and storing floodwater during heavy rain and gradually releasing it, Stockton’s Wetland will reduce strain on the River Ribble and minimize local flood risks. This will increase the area’s resilience to extreme weather events. The project will further benefit wildlife by connecting fragmented habitats, creating an ecological network that allows species to move safely in search of food, shelter, and breeding grounds. This enhanced connectivity is vital for the survival of our native wildlife.
In addition to its ecological benefits, Stockton’s Wetland will support sustainable farming. Currently suboptimal for grazing due to poor drainage, the land surrounding the site will become more productive as excess water channels into the wetland. This dual benefit highlights how conservation projects can coexist with and even enhance agricultural practices.
Hannah Lederer, the Project Manager for this work says: “Stockton’s Wetland is a fantastic example of how we can integrate conservation and agriculture to benefit both wildlife and people. I hope it will inspire other landowners to think about the co-benefits of conservation projects on their land. Although the project is small area within a huge catchment, all our work contributes to improved biodiversity and natural flood management at the catchment scale.”
Stockton’s Wetland is a perfect example of The Catchment Based Approach (CaBA) to river conservation. Through this, we aim to seamlessly link conservation, sustainable land use, and community wellbeing.
Part of the Ribble Revival: Room for Rivers Programme
Funding for this project has come from the Species Survival Fund. This £25 million initiative aims to restore over 3,300 hectares of habitat across the country. The National Lottery Heritage Fund administers the fund on behalf of DEFRA, and Ribble Rivers Trust has received £1.65 million to support our work. Fellow wildlife charities, farmers, and community groups nationwide have also benefitted the fund. Together, we’re helping to accelerate nature recovery and protect vital species.
