The Resilient Glenderamackin project is developing a model to link investors, buyers and sellers (farmers and land managers) of ecosystem services to reduce downstream flood risk, restore nature, improve water quality and mitigate against climate change in the Glenderamackin catchment in the Lake District. If successful, it will leverage around…

Over the summer of 2023, a riverside survey of invasive species of plant was commissioned by Greater Manchester Combined Authority as part of Natural Course. The survey is a detailed snapshot of the invasive non-native species (INNS) issues on the River Tame catchment and how issues may arise downstream on…

Climate change, poor water quality, flooding, drought, pollution and habitat loss are all environmental issues we are facing. For positive change, we need to start looking at how we can work together and go above and beyond the statutory requirements of our organisations to develop a holistic view of landscape…

Volunteers have been trained to survey for signs of European Otter Lutra lutra Results provide new evidence of the health of six tributaries in the south of Greater Manchester During the winter of 2022 and spring of 2023, trained volunteers searched for field signs left by otters around bridges along…

New analysis of records collated by the Greater Manchester Ecology Unit demonstrate that Otters have returned to Greater Manchester and are present across the region. Otters were nearly wiped out in the UK between the 1950s and 1970s. Changes to the law and environmental improvements led to a return to…

 Before stepping onstage in the upcoming UK tour of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, actress and performer, Hayley Tamaddon, is putting her teaching skills to use offstage and calling for people in the North West to plug their plastic use A staggering 80% of the plastic in the ocean comes from…

New data release for the Ecological Network Tool Spatial extent expanded to cover all catchments in the North West River Basin District We’re pleased to announce that the development of Natural Course Ecological Network Tool for lowland wetlands and woodlands has been completed, and we have finally received the appropriate…

When Natural Course was first initiated, natural flood management (NFM) was an emerging topic. It was not well tested or implemented in the UK, and there were significant evidence gaps.  Natural Course has played a critical role in developing the knowledge base, addressing evidence gaps and influencing future ways of…

Last week (25-26 April, 2023), Natural Course hosted a successful international engagement event that connected a wide range of over 40 key stakeholders from across Europe.  Delegates from LIFE Projects in Austria, Belgium, Estonia, France, Ireland, Latvia, Poland, Sweden and Wales attended to network and learn from Natural Course about…

Water governance arrangements are considered by many to be a significant barrier to implementing improvements to the water environment.  Across the Northwest, the situation is complex as there are multiple political boundaries to consider, plus many stakeholders and organisations with responsibilities. Water governance is a key theme for Natural Course,…