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…

It’s been just over a year since we created the wetlands at Rostherne Mere. Since then, the site has transformed from an over-grazed field through to a fully functioning wetland thriving with wildlife. Plant life has flourished, with a variety of plants naturally colonising the wetlands and reintroductions of Marsh…

Background Located north of the Greater Manchester conurbation, but separated from the main Pennine range by the Irwell valley, the West Pennine Moors (WPM) supports a range of upland habitats and is an important site for wading bird populations (such as lapwing, curlew and redshank). Whilst a significant proportion of…

We are pleased to announce our next ‘Natural Course Presents’ webinar An Integrated Ecological Network Tool for Lowland Wetlands and Woodlands in Northwest England Taking place Wednesday 11th August, 12.30 – 13.30 (BST) you are invited to join guest presenter Tom Smart (Natural England) to learn more about the integrated…

Lorna Drake (Natural England Nature Recovery Network Lead Advisor for Natural Course) gives us an update on a recent site visit to Rostherne Mere. Lockdown, work from home and online meetings have all become normal parts of life, with many of us forgetting what it is like to go out…

Natural England announce the completion of a new ecological network tool for wetlands and woodlands in Northwest England It can provide an evidence base for prioritising off-site Biodiversity Net Gain opportunities, and contribute to the evidence base for the development of Local Nature Recovery Strategies in the Greater Manchester pilot.…

Our Natural Course partner Natural England have provided us a quick update on how things are progressing with the development of the Integrated Ecological Network Tool, which aims to highlight habitat restoration and creation opportunities in Cheshire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Lancashire. Background Historic habitat loss and degradation means that…

Our partner Natural England have provided us a quick update on the Rostherne Mere Restoration project, an element of the larger catchment operation Cheshire Hub action. Here at Natural England, we feel that Rostherne Mere is a pretty special place for nature.  Designated as a Site of Scientific Special Interest…

12 new farming groups have launched to address landscape-scale natural flood management solutions, through the implementation of a new funding round added to the Countryside Stewardship Facilitation Fund. Announced in December 2016, the new round of funds, launched by Natural England through the EU Life funded Natural Course programme, resulted…