New Action Plan developed to bring the River Irk to life The Action Plan identifies and prioritises restoration projects and provides a funding strategy A new Action Plan has been launched (22nd October 2021) for the River Irk, that will help transform this neglected river into a thriving waterway that…

Environment Agency, Keep Britain Tidy and Natural Course launch new campaign to tackle plastic pollution as part of a project connecting the dots between the use of plastics and the impact on marine life in the North West The Plastic Challenge campaign, supported by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, will…

Community Forest Trust, Woodland Trust, Environment Agency and Liverpool University have delivered a number of nature-based solutions at the Smithills Estate on the outskirts of Bolton in Greater Manchester. The project focuses on the creation of 25 structural features that provide flood risk protection for communities downstream of Smithills alongside…

Natural Course is working closely with Eunomia to find ways to better manage water locally. On the week the world celebrated World Water Day, we asked their water guru Yvonne Rees what this vital resource means to her. Feeling disconnected Water to me means joy, whether it’s a refreshing drink,…

We have a really exciting opportunity for you to have your say on which actions should be taken to bring the River Irk back to life. There will be an online survey coming soon, but also 3 workshops focussing on different areas of the catchment.  These are free to attend…

The series of methods including leaky dams, tree planting and Sphagnum moss were featured on Sunday’s Countryfile as part of a pilot project in Crompton Moor, Oldham aiming to show how effective natural methods can be for preventing flooding. The project is a partnership between Natural Course, City of Trees,…

The Hillylaid Wetland in Thornton, is situated just north of Blackpool in Lancashire. It’s a low lying area of land sandwiched between the River Wyre and the Irish Sea. Natural Course has been involved with this project for a number of years as part of the wider action ‘using coastal…

A joint project to open up the River Croal catchment to migratory fish has been completed. The removal of a disused failing weir on the River Tonge will help combat long-term declines in fish stocks and boost other wildlife. Partnership project between the Environment Agency, Groundwork, Greater Manchester Combined Authority,…

Virtual launch of Wyre Natural Flood Management Investment Readiness project attended by Environment Agency Chair Partnership project to enhance the local environment and protect against flood risk Background Natural flood management interventions can give multiple benefits to the environment, however funding is often limited in this area.  New and innovative…

New natural ‘leaky dams’ have been constructed on Crompton Moor, Oldham The dams are designed to slow the flow of water before it reaches towns and villages further downstream of the River Beal, including Shaw and Crompton. The latest part of a project which uses natural methods to reduce flood…