Publications
List of our publications
Winter Wetland Bird Blitz: Rolling Averages Report
The latest Winter Wetland Bird Blitz report, which applies a two-year rolling average to help interpret the data gathered between 2017 and 2022.
Evidence and tools, Urban
Delivery of Off-Site Biodiversity Net Gain in Greater Manchester
A scoping study for the delivery of off-site Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in Greater Manchester.
Evidence and tools, Urban
Urban diffuse pollution mitigation on Moston Brook
A case study looking at urban diffuse pollution mitigation on Moston Brook, Greater Manchester
Evidence and tools, Green Infrastructure, Urban, Water Quality
Moston Brook Audit, Modelling and Design – tackling pressures on urban watercourses (summary report)
Summary report from Dynamic Rivers about tackling pressures on urban watercourses for Moston Brook. Covers the audit, modelling and design.
Evidence and tools, Urban, Water Quality
Moston Brook and development of an urban catchment operations approach – end of project report
End of project report highlighting lessons learned
Evidence and tools, Urban, Water Quality
Developing business cases and attracting funding to maintain waterside wildlife sites in Greater Manchester
GMCA (through the Natural Course Greater Manchester Ecology Unit work) have created ecological management plans for four waterside Sites of Biological Importance (SBI) within Greater Manchester.
Green Infrastructure, Natural Rivers, Water Quality, Water Quantity
The Catchment Action Plan for Valley Brook
A plan to improve Valley Brook in Crewe town centre to achieve
good ecological potential, developed in partnership through the
Cheshire Hub
Evidence and tools, Natural Rivers, Urban, Water Quality
November 15, 2021
Download publication: The Catchment Action Plan for Valley BrookThe Valley Brook Catchment Action Plan (case study)
The aim of this project was to test out the effectiveness of carrying out more detailed environmental planning on one waterbody and understand if this would drive action and improvements.
Evidence and tools, Natural Rivers, Urban, Water Quality
The Cheshire Hub
The Cheshire Hub was formed to bring together key organisations and other partners to work collaboratively and develop a joined-up, improved understanding of what was going on in a catchment.
Evidence and tools, Natural Rivers, Rural, Water Quality
November 15, 2021
Download publication: The Cheshire HubCheshire Hub – lessons learned report
A review of the Cheshire Catchment Hub including lessons learned and recommendations for future work.
Evidence and tools, Rural, Urban, Water Quality
November 15, 2021
Download publication: Cheshire Hub – lessons learned reportDeveloping a costed programme of projects within the River Irwell catchment
This case study details how the Irwell Catchment Partnership developed a costed programme of projects for the River Irwell.
Community Engagement, Evidence and tools, Green Infrastructure, Natural Rivers, Rural, Urban, Water Quality, Water Quantity
Winter water bird monitoring report on the River Irwell
This latest report presents data from the monitoring of winter water birds on the River Irwell, adjacent to Kersal Wetlands.
Evidence and tools, Urban
Catchment Benchmarking – Final Report
The final report from the Catchment Benchmarking study project looking at how catchment partnerships currently work across the North West River Basin District.
Evidence and tools
August 16, 2021
Download publication: Catchment Benchmarking – Final ReportReviewing the model for water management in the North West: Regional water governance study – executive summary
Executive summary giving an overview of the three phases of this regional water governance study
Evidence and tools, Rural, Urban, Water Quality, Water Quantity
Reviewing the model for water management in the North West: Recommendations for water governance arrangements in Cumbria
A review of domestic and international practices with developed initial ideas to address weaknesses and tackle improvement needs. The initial ideas were tested with stakeholders and their feedback shaped the final recommendations.
Evidence and tools, Rural, Water Quality, Water Quantity
River Corridor Study – Whittle Brook Catchment
River Corridor Study: Whittle Brook, Brightley Brook and Castle Brook
Evidence and tools
River Corridor Study – Ecosystem Services Assessment
River Corridor Study - Ecosystem Services Assessment Scoping Report (Whittle Brook, Brightley Brook and Castle Brook)
Evidence and tools, Natural Rivers, Rural, Urban, Water Quality
Natural Capital User Guide
This is the ‘go to’ reference point for all things natural capital across Greater Manchester
Evidence and tools
June 1, 2021
Download publication: Natural Capital User GuideCatchment Benchmarking – Phase 1 Report
The Phase 1 Report from the Catchment Benchmarking study gives an understanding of the partnerships and challenges they face.
Evidence and tools
Reviewing the model for water management in the North West: Water Governance in Cumbria report
The Phase 2 report of water governance in the North West, focusing on Cumbria.
Evidence and tools, Rural
Natural Course newsletter – December 2020
The December 2020 Natural Course newsletter, featuring some of the highlights and achievements of the year.
December 21, 2020
Download publication: Natural Course newsletter – December 2020Dales Brow Green Sustainable Drainage Systems
This case study details the sustainable drainage systems installed at Dales Brow, and describes the multiple benefits they bring to the site.
Evidence and tools, Green Infrastructure, Urban, Water Quality, Water Quantity
Poster: A collaborative approach to improving North West rivers
Natural Course: A collaborative approach to improving North West rivers.
This poster was submitted as part of the River Restoration Centre UK conference in September 2020.
Evidence and tools, Natural Rivers, Rural, Urban, Water Quality
Natural Course mid-project lay report
Natural Course mid-project lay report gives an overview of Phases 1 and 2 for the whole programme, and includes featured projects and achievements.
Evidence and tools, Natural Rivers, Rural, Urban, Water Quality
August 17, 2020
Download publication: Natural Course mid-project lay reportReviewing the model for water management in the North West: a regional water governance study
Report of phase 1 high level study of arrangements in North West River Basin District completed by stakeholders.
Evidence and tools
Multiple benefits of natural flood management intervention.
This case study highlights the multiple benefits (improvements in water quality as well as water quantity) after the installation of natural flood management interventions on three sites around the Greater Manchester area.
Evidence and tools, Green Infrastructure, Water Quality, Water Quantity
Natural Course and IGNITION contributing to the Greater Manchester 5-Year Environment Plan
Report outlining how the Natural Course and IGNITION projects are contributing towards the Greater Manchester 5-Year Environment Plan
Urban, Water Quality
Greater Manchester Natural Capital Group Annual Conference 2020: Delivering a Greener Greater Manchester
The Natural Capital Group conference brings together leading practitioners from public, private and third sectors. It celebrates environmental successes and plans nature-based projects, forming part of Greater Manchester 5-Year Environment Plan.
Community Engagement, Rural, Urban, Water Quality
Natural flood management on Crompton Moor.
Peatlands are important habitats as they store carbon, and also hold and filter water which helps improve water quality. This case study looks at the impact of natural flood management interventions on Crompton Moor.
Community Engagement, Green Infrastructure, Water Quality, Water Quantity
Mapping urban diffuse pollution sources on the Rivers Irk and Medlock
Read the brand new report on understanding pollution pressures in the Rivers Irk and Medlock. Natural Course has been surveying the rivers of Greater Manchester to find out where water quality can be improved across the city region.
Urban, Water Quality
Irwell Small Streams Project Portfolio
Identifying the extent and causes of diffuse and any point source pollution within the catchment, and developing options to enable stakeholders to deliver Water Framework Directive improvements.
Water Quality
August 20, 2019
Download publication: Irwell Small Streams Project PortfolioIrwell Small Streams Catchment Walkover Survey
Catchment Walkover Surveys were undertaken on three small streams, all tributaries of the River Irwell, that were suspected of being polluted. The aim was to identify the extent and causes of diffuse and point source pollution.
Water Quality
Identification of opportunities for ecological improvement – Wince Brook
Surveys were conducted to identify issues and opportunities for improving the ecology of the river, and this report looks at how these results can fit into a catchment strategy.
Green Infrastructure, Natural Rivers, Urban, Water Quality, Water Quantity
Diffuse Pollution Mitigation Works – Conserving Coniston and Crake
A case study by South Cumbria Rivers Trust on diffuse pollution issues in the Coniston catchment. The primary issues were attributed to septic tank pollution and agricultural sources.
Rural, Water Quality
Natural Capital project – Final report
This report provides a detailed review of the practical support provided to 4 pilot projects on how to embed a natural capital approach into project development.
Urban, Water Quality
Natural Capital project – Non technical summary
This report provides a summary of the practical support provided to 4 pilot projects on how to embed a natural capital approach into project development.
Urban, Water Quality
Prestwich High Street – tree planting to deliver multiple benefits
The aim of this project was to demonstrate how street trees could be used to provide a natural solution for managing surface water runoff to reduce flash flooding and remove pollution contained in the water before it
enters the sewer system.
Green Infrastructure, Urban, Water Quality, Water Quantity
Bickershaw – slow the flow and habitat creation
As well as creating new wildlife areas, this has increased the amount of water able to be stored on site. The project has also restored 4 hectares of wet grassland and fen type habitats.
Community Engagement, Green Infrastructure, Urban, Water Quality, Water Quantity
Ennerdale Mill Weir Removal
Ennerdale Mill Weir, located on the River Ehen in Egremont dated back over 250 years and was constructed to power the Ennerdale Paper Mill. The Weir had not been used as it was intended for many years and has been proven to be a barrier for fish migration.
Community Engagement, Natural Rivers, Rural, Urban, Water Quality, Water Quantity
January 28, 2019
Download publication: Ennerdale Mill Weir RemovalWater Governance in Greater Manchester – Full report
This report summarises a review of water governance across Greater Manchester, undertaken during 2018, and outlines a series of recommendations for future arrangements with a focus on increased integration across the water cycle.
Urban, Water Quality, Water Quantity
Water Governance in Greater Manchester – Executive Summary
An executive summary of a review of water governance across Greater Manchester and outlines a series of recommendations for future arrangements with a focus on increased integration across the water cycle.
Urban, Water Quality, Water Quantity
The business case for investing in water resilience in Greater Manchester
By using SuDs in Manchester to disconnect areas of a site from the wastewater system, it is possible for business customers to move down a charging band and make annual financial savings. Read the Report for more info.
Green Infrastructure, Urban, Water Quality, Water Quantity
The Multiple Benefits of Natural Flood Management
An infographic to help catchment partners communicate to communities about the multiple benefits of Natural Flood Management. Created in Cumbria by Newground.
Community Engagement, Natural Rivers, Water Quantity
Irwell Catchment Management Natural Capital Account – Full Report
This report identifies the significant natural capital value of the Irwell Management Catchment’s (IMC) waterbodies. The report shows how the waterbodies, even in their current heavily modified condition, deliver a range of ecosystem services (ESS).
Green Infrastructure, Urban, Water Quality
Irwell Catchment Management Natural Capital Account – Executive Summary
This report identifies the natural capital value of the Irwell Management Catchment’s (IMC) waterbodies, and the opportunities for investment in ecosystem services (ESS) provided by the IMC’s waterbodies.
Natural Rivers, Urban, Water Quality
Green Infrastructure for Water Mapping Project
Maintaining water quality & managing water quantity in the urban environment presents a number of challenges for government agencies, utility companies and policy makers. This report looks at the role which GI can play in addressing these challenges.
Green Infrastructure, Water Quality, Water Quantity
Partnerships for action in river catchment governance
This report by Open University reviews the current thinking and practices in relation to the catchment-based approach against these conceptual models and makes recommendations for the future.
Community Engagement, Water Quality
Oakenshaw weir fish bypass
The River Hyndburn suffered from significant impacts of historic pollution and surveys found juvenile salmon at the foot of the weir but not above. As part of the catchment plan, this weir was prioritised as a barrier for fish migration.
Community Engagement, Natural Rivers, Rural, Urban, Water Quality, Water Quantity
Water Resilient Cities
Through Natural Course, Business in the Community's Water Taskforce sought to prove a concept; that non-domestic customers, working with schools initially, could be incentivised to implement sustainable drainage systems (SuDS).
Urban, Water Quality
April 29, 2018
Download publication: Water Resilient CitiesRiver Irk Restoration – making a plan
This project aims to start a planned and strategic approach to restoring the River Irk on a catchment scale. In this first phase, the Environment Agency have been working with the River Restoration Centre (RRC) to develop a restoration plan.
Natural Rivers, Urban, Water Quality
Finding space for water in the River Irk at Alkrington
Delivered by Mersey Basin Rivers Trust, the project improved flow diversity in the River Irk by notching the five check weirs, lowering and softening the banking and reconnecting the floodplain.
Green Infrastructure, Natural Rivers, Urban, Water Quality
Green infrastructure for water opportunity mapping
The green infrastructure for water opportunity mapping method used GIS data to identify a range of elements in the physical environment that represented potential pathways for urban diffuse pollution (UDP).
Green Infrastructure
LOVEmyBEACH Business Pack
LOVEmyBEACH is a campaign with a huge challenge: to work together to keep our local beaches and bathing waters clean. LOVEmyBEACH is supported by Natural Course and this pack can help businesses get involved with improving North West bathing waters.
Community Engagement, Water Quality
February 7, 2018
Download publication: LOVEmyBEACH Business PackNestle commit to ‘working with nature’
Through Natural Course, Business in the Community was contracted by United Utilities to work with Nestle UK to help them build a robust environmental strategy.
Rural, Water Quality
January 15, 2018
Download publication: Nestle commit to ‘working with nature’Irwell Catchment Natural Flood Risk Management Group
The Countryside Stewardship Facilitation Fund resources have enabled Groundwork to establish a network of 21 landowners and managers whose holdings cover over 5320 Hectares of land in the upper Irwell catchment.
Rural, Water Quality, Water Quantity
Manchester’s Great Outdoors – a Green & Blue Infrastructure Strategy
The strategy provides a vision of Manchester’s green & blue spaces in 2025. It covers the 5 river valleys, 3 canals and more than 160 parks that make up the city as well as wider resources such as private gardens, street trees and cycle-ways.
Green Infrastructure, Urban
River Irwell Evidence and Measures Study
The River Irwell Evidence & Measures study brings together existing data packages, made widely available to the local catchment partnerships, alongside further data held by the Environment Agency, United Utilities and the GM Ecology Unit.
Rural, Urban, Water Quality
Natural Flood Management Technical Report
This Natural Flood Management Technical Report has investigated Natural Flood Management (NFM) in a tiered approach across the Eden, Kent and Derwent catchments in Cumbria, to help prioritise where different NFM measures are likely to be more effective.
Rural, Water Quality, Water Quantity
NFM Modelling Study
Collaborative Natural Flood Management maps, which quantify both the opportunity and the benefit of NFM, have been developed in 4 river catchments. The Rivers Trust is using modelling studies to quantify the potential impact of NFM on peak flows.
Green Infrastructure, Water Quality, Water Quantity
April 19, 2017
Download publication: NFM Modelling StudyReconnecting Staveley to its natural floodplain
South Cumbria Rivers Trust removed a man-made embankment to help slow the flow of the river and reconnect it to its natural floodplain.
Community Engagement, Natural Rivers, Rural, Water Quantity
Natural England – Working in Partnership
Erosion of a riverbank was contributing silt and was accelerated by encroachment of livestock approaching the river to drink. Working in partnership, Natural England organised a series of solutions to overcome the issue.
Community Engagement, Green Infrastructure, Natural Rivers, Rural, Water Quality
North West River Basin District – water environment infographic
The water environment in the North West River Basin District (2015) has many challenges, this infographic explains the waterbodies found in the area, reasons for not achieving a good status, and the costs and benefits in meeting the planned objectives.
Natural Rivers, Urban, Water Quality
Raising awareness of misconnections
A survey found that misconnected pipes in Cheadle Hulme were affecting the water quality of the Micker Brook. In response to these findings, Mersey Rivers Trust delivered an awareness campaign to get residents to check their pipe connections.
Community Engagement, Urban, Water Quality
February 7, 2017
Download publication: Raising awareness of misconnectionsLocal Action Partnership
The Defra Local Action Project developed a suite of evidence and information resources to support the targeting and implementation of environmental management in urban landscapes.
Green Infrastructure, Urban
January 18, 2017
Download publication: Local Action PartnershipCity of Trees – Cleavleys Wet Woodland
The City of Trees helped to breakdown particulates and other pollutants from being carried into Worsley Brook from the M60 motorway junction, allowing the stream to take a more natural course through the woodland.
Natural Rivers, Urban, Water Quality
January 18, 2017
Download publication: City of Trees – Cleavleys Wet Woodland