Home / Environment / River Mease Roars Back to Life After 150 Years
River Mease Roars Back to Life After 150 Years
20 May
Summary
- Restoration project transformed river over 13 years.
- River Mease won UK River prize for its comeback.
- 111 farmers joined efforts to improve river health.
The Mease River, once heavily altered by human hands for 150 years, is now a beacon of ecological recovery. A comprehensive restoration project, initiated in 2013 and led by the Trent Rivers Trust, has transformed its wetlands, leading to a resurgence of wildlife. This 13-year campaign culminated in the Mease winning the UK River prize in 2026, recognizing its innovative approach.
The river's revival involved engaging over 400 farmers in its catchment area. Crucially, 111 farmers have participated, dedicating land to buffer strips and restored tributaries. This collaborative effort has slowed the river's flow, trapped pollutants, and created vital wetland habitats. These new areas now support a diverse range of bird species and insect life, indicating improved water quality.
Significant investment from bodies like the Environment Agency (£1.6m since 2017), developers, and local authorities has funded approximately 250 interventions. These include creating silt traps, wetlands, and buffer strips to manage pollution and flood risk. Severn Trent is also investing over £100m to reduce sewage overflows, though a controversial pipeline plan diverts treated water to the River Tame.
Further restoration efforts are planned, focusing on fish migration by removing barriers and creating spawning grounds. The success on the Mease, a designated Special Area of Conservation and Site of Special Scientific Interest, offers a scalable model for national river restoration, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between government, conservationists, farmers, and volunteers.
