How the power of partnership has transformed poor land into rich, useable habitat at Culgaith
The power of partnership working has transformed a substantially modified river and redundant floodplain at Culgaith by using nature-based solutions to give it renewed purpose as a haven for wildlife and a source of natural flood management.
For years, the historically straightened and culverted stretch of river near Williekeld Sike just didn’t work — not for farming, and not for nature. The channel had become cut off from its floodplain, backed up with water, and lost its ability to support wildlife. What remained was unproductive and prone to flooding further downstream.
But now, that’s all changing.
By working together and utilising nature-based solutions, this piece of land has been transformed into something much more valuable: a natural flood defence, a haven for wildlife, and, in time, grazing land.
Lev Dahl, River Restoration Manager, explains how this project came about:
“Our farming team were already in discussions with the landowner, Nestlé and First Milk about tree planting on the site, but when we discovered it was home to ground-nesting birds, we had to rethink. I was brought on board to look at restoring the river and creating a wetland instead — keeping the landscape open, but making it work better for both nature and farming.
Nestlé and First Milk agreed to support my proposals and I was able to bring in other partners to increase the project’s impact, including the Environment Agency who matched the funding through the Cumbria River Restoration Strategy, resulting in a total of £111k to be invested to transform this site.”
Lee Truelove from First Milk explains why they supported the project:
“First Milk enthusiastically backed the recent river restoration at Moorside Farm which was supported by Nestlé UK & Ireland as part of our long-term regenerative partnership. Converting a waterlogged, underperforming area into a vibrant, meandering waterway. This project is crucial for the farm, as it reinstates the river’s natural course, mitigates downstream flooding, and improves soil vitality and water retention across the grasslands.
“Through collaborative efforts between Nestlé, First Milk and our members, we’ve adopted regenerative principles that enhance farm productivity while fostering rich habitats for wildlife like otters, fish, and birds. This initiative reflects our dedication to a holistic approach, harmonising profitable farming with ecological health to ensure a sustainable future for both agriculture and the surrounding ecosystem.”
Planning to minimise impact
With work taking place over time and the final connection with the existing river to be completed in June 2025, Lev was mindful of the unpredictable weather, complexity and timing of the different aspects of the capital works to be delivered. As a result, the work was carefully phased to ensure minimal disturbance to the downstream watercourse, with time allowed for the works to settle and weather conditions to improve.
What’s been done?
With the site fenced off by T.A. Hodgson to keep livestock out whilst the new habitat is established, Morley Plant Hire moved in to create the major features.
A new meandering river channel has been dug, replacing the old straightened one. 250m of new channel now weaves across the field and is connected to the floodplain, allowing it to do its job and provide a safety valve for excess water during high flows.
150 metres of culvert removed to allow the river to flow naturally again.
0.6Ha of Wetland scrapes have been created to hold water, trap sediment, and support biodiversity.
Over time, this site will flourish to become 4Ha of floodplain grazing marsh, given a head start through planting and seeding of wetland tolerant plants. Further habitat and natural flood management in the form of 500 metres of native hedgerow was planted by ERT volunteers.
The scrapes, hedgerows and rough grass buffering the newly remeandered river will also help trap any remaining sediments and nutrients before they reach the river, protecting its health and water quality.
We will continue to monitor how wildlife responds using fish and plant surveys, as well as drone flyovers to track the changes.
Why has this project worked?
Lev explains:
“As an independent charity, we are well-placed to support farmers navigate the complex and uncertain funding environment, bring together partners and coordinate people and projects like this that benefit everyone — the landowner, the wider community, and the river.”
He adds:
“This project shows what’s possible when businesses, agencies and conservationists work together. Thanks to the vision of all involved and support through private and public funding, this previously unproductive site now has a brighter future thanks to simple, yet effective measures that can be replicated elsewhere to improve land use, habitat and wildlife.”
