As part of the Sheffield Lakeland Landscape project, a leaking dam
The initiative, which consists of over 40 projects, has also seen 53,000 trees planted and 15 kilometres of riverbank renovations.
Projects to safeguard the environment, strengthen river systems’ resistance to climate change, and increase wildlife include eliminating obstacles to fish migration, restoring habitat, taking steps to enhance water quality, and managing natural floods.
The Environment Agency oversees and implements the Yorkshire Environment Programme, mostly in collaboration with government-supported Catchment Partnerships that bring together local governments, wildlife trusts, and other organisations to enhance the environment.
This year’s £5 million programme engaged over 100 partners, who provided more than £2.1 million in financing for the initiatives.
The Upper Aire Habitat and Land Management Project, which included engaging landowners, restored habitat and water quality over more than 350 km2.
Five possible weir removals on the River Calder are being looked at by Connecting the Calder.
Working with landowners in the North York Moors National Park and the surrounding regions, Derwent Upland Streams has been able to enhance land management and promote ecological status across eight waterbodies.
The BEACH Esk initiative has collaborated with neighbourhood groups and landowners to improve saltmarsh habitats and reduce marine pollution in the Esk estuary.
Other initiatives on the Esk include an ongoing captive breeding effort for the endangered Pearl Mussel and investigation into the possibility of invasive signal crayfish in the river.
To pool knowledge for the benefit of Yorkshire’s 320 km of coastline, a new partnership called the Yorkshire Coast Catchment Partnership was formed.
The Don and Rother Catchment’s sedimentation and water runoff have been decreased and the flow has been slowed by Sheffield Lakeland Landscape Partnership, lowering the danger of flooding farther downstream.
A Site of Special Scientific Interest received 1.6 km of upgrades thanks to the Leven Canal’s de-silting (SSSI).
The Rivers in Elmet initiative improved farms and planted trees and hedgerows to reduce sediment and nutrient contamination.
Manager of Environment Planning and Engagement for the Environment Agency in Yorkshire, Victoria Slingsby, stated:
The environment programme for this year has once again resulted in some notable improvements all around the country, including natural flood control strategies, enhanced fish migration, and water quality treatments.
The size of the delivery and accomplishments demonstrates our desire, together with those of our partners in Yorkshire, to manage environmental benefits for people and animals.