Riverlands: Improving the health of the Upper Bure

Summary:

Working in collaboration with the National Trust to improve the health of soils and the quality and quantity of water in the Upper Bure catchment.

Project description:

Building on the success of our first phase (2020 – 2024), this project continues our partnership with the National Trust to enhance the Upper Bure catchment – a vital, mainly arable landscape, extending north and west from Aylsham.

The River Bure is a rare chalk stream that feeds into the Norfolk Broads, an internationally recognised wetland environment that is a haven for wildlife. The headwaters of the Bure are facing serious challenges, including heavy sedimentation, declining water quality, and historic modifications for land drainage and flood management. As a result, the river is currently classified as having ‘Poor’ ecological status and ‘Moderate’ ecological status for its two main waterbodies (WFD, 2022).

The health of the Upper Bure headwaters directly affects the health of aquatic environments downstream. That’s why we’ve teamed up with the National Trust to work with local farmers and landowners to improve water quality, soil health and habitats along the river. Together, we’re working towards a healthier future for this rare chalk stream and the wetlands it supports.

Project actions and goals:

Provide one-to-one farm advice to identify opportunities for improvement.
Implement targeted on-farm interventions to reduce sediment and nutrient runoff, enhance soil health and slow the flow of water.
Attend and host knowledge-exchange and public engagement events.