Twenty years of nature's recovery on Long Preston floodplain

The wetland area between the Yorkshire Dales and the Forest of Bowland has, since 2004, been the subject of a multi-party effort to transform the floodplain for the benefit of the economy and wildlife, known as the Long Preston Floodplain Project.

More than 50 partners involved in the project - including Natural England, Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, Ribble Rivers Trust, Environment Agency, RSPB, North Yorkshire Council, and North Yorkshire and York Local Nature Partnership - celebrated together at Lords Courtyard, in Settle, to toast their achievements over the past two decades.

Those achievements include the creation of 84 hectares of wet grassland, and the conversion of 190 hectares of farmed land to "thriving" wetland habitat - including realignment of flood embankments, and the creation of ponds.

Historic weirs have been removed to restore natural river processes - such as allowing migrating fish to move freely through the river.

And 16 habitat creation schemes have been completed, covering 10.5 hectares of land in total.

Those schemes include small wildlife habitats, riparian woodlands, and hedgerows.

The aqueduct on Wiggleworth beck has also been restored.

The 165 hectares' worth of the floodplain which are collectively designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) are "moving towards favourable condition," says Natural England - with work having included the reconnection of the river Ribble to the floodplain.

The River Ribble (Long Preston) SSSI is of interest to scientists for its unique flora and fauna.

Across the floodplain as a whole, more than 18 years of bird counts have led to the recording of 212 species - including breeding, wintering, and migrant birds some of which are on the UK Birds of Conservation Concern Red List.

Those on the Red List  include curlew, lapwing, grey partridge, pochard, and hen harrier, as well as skylark, greenfinch, tree sparrow, and house sparrow.

At peak season, the floodplain serves as the home of up to 2,500 birds.

All of the working area is privately owned, and projects have been undertaken in collaboration with farmers and landowners.

Additional work with farmers, and partners, has included the delivery of habitat and river restoration through agri-environment schemes; more than 70 per cent of land within the project boundary is now in an agri-environment scheme.

David Renwick, regional director for the north at Natural England, said: "The Long Preston Floodplain Project is a fantastic example of what can be achieved by building partnerships for nature’s recovery.

"Alongside the amazing biodiversity that thrives on the site, the Long Preston Floodplain is working to protect homes from flooding, and support water resources.

"It puts farmers at its heart, providing an important agricultural resource, and locks away carbon in the soils.

"While supporting education, biodiversity and climate resilience, the site also provides a perfect retreat for those wishing to appreciate the natural world and find a sense of peace.

"Natural England are proud to be a partner, and we look forward to working with everyone in the next chapter of this special corner of Yorkshire and Lancashire."

Jack Spees, chief executive of Ribble Rivers Trust, said: "At the centre of the project’s successes are people, those who are deeply committed to all aspects of the area, farming, wildlife, and water.

"We have worked together building trust and friendships - both of which are lasting - and I can’t wait to see what the next 20 years holds."

Anthony Bradley, of Ribblesdale Farmers Group, said: "Dad was alive when the first stirrings started of this project.

"He was a bit of a ‘twitcher’ and I well remember his delight when kestrels reappeared and nested on the top of a ruined barn.

"He was also in the habit, when mowing grass, of lifting bird chicks to safety.

"Or mowing round a nest to leave some cover.

"I know he was not alone in this habit.

"The real success though is the genuine cooperation and mutual respect between both farmers and non-farmers.

"I for one have found it a pleasure to work with some ‘grownups’!"

Steven Crabtree, also of Ribblesdale Farmers Group, added: "As an early participant in the project it is wonderful to see how it has grown, taking with it the confidence of farmers and various wildlife bodies to achieve some truly meaningful outcomes."

David Sharrod, from Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, concluded: "What really marks this project out to me is the genuine trust, collective endeavour, and friendship that has been built up between all involved.

"Over the years there have been multiple individual projects and sources of funding, and of course many external changes and pressures, but what has carried it forward are the committed individuals."

The Long Preston Floodplain Project's partners have agreed a new strategy with the dual aims of providing catchment scale habitat restoration and supporting sustainable farming across the Upper River Ribble Catchment.