Great North Fen: Durham Wildlife Trust

£2,500,000 goal
Durham Wildlife Trust logo

Led by Durham Wildlife Trust, the Great North Fen Project will restore land between Newton Aycliffe and Sedgefield to create a connected wetland landscape of regional importance. Transforming what is currently a mix of intensively grazed and cultivated farmland within the River Skerne catchment, the project will re-establish water friendly farming alongside a mosaic of wetland habitats, including lowland raised bog, species-rich grassland, scrub and woodland, creating a landscape rich in high-distinctiveness habitats.  

Working with neighbouring farmers, landowners and local communities, the aspiration is to enhance an area stretching over 800 hectares, celebrating its rich wildlife and history.

By restoring natural processes across the catchment, the project will contribute to improvements in the River Skerne and the reaches upstream of Darlington, helping to enhance water quality, reduce flood risk and increase resilience to climate change. 

The restoration of waterlogged conditions will also support carbon sequestration by restarting active peat-forming processes. Alongside these environmental benefits, the project will create new opportunities for volunteering, recreation and engagement with nature, helping reconnect local people with this recovering wetland landscape.

The project will re-establish water friendly farming alongside a mosaic of wetland habitats, and work with neighbouring farmers, landowners and local communities.

Rivers 2040

A Rivers 2040 project is a place-based freshwater restoration initiative that contributes to the long-term recovery of river catchments through nature-based solutions. Projects can range from restoring floodplains and wetlands, improving water quality, reconnecting rivers to their natural processes, creating habitat for wildlife, reducing pollution, increasing access to nature, or helping communities become more resilient to flooding and drought.  

Rivers 2040 aims to bring together multiple environmental, social and economic benefits at a catchment scale, demonstrating how investment in nature can support healthier rivers, thriving wildlife, resilient communities and sustainable economic growth. 

Land ownership

Mixed ownership: project area spans both Wildlife Trust-owned and third-party owned land. 

Delivery approach

Direct delivery: the project delivers change through on-the-ground activity within the project area, implementing interventions that restore, enhance or manage habitats and natural processes. 

Project readiness

Development ready: project design is progressing, key stakeholders are being engaged, and business cases, delivery models and investment requirements are ready to be developed.    

Partners and funding

Delivery of this project may be supported by a range of partners and funding mechanisms. Funding may already have been secured from multiple sources and at different stages, contributing towards the overall project value and delivery costs. Contact us to explore current funding requirements and how the project could be developed and delivered with your organisation. 

#contact

Get in touch

If you're interested in funding this project, please fill in the form below and we will be in touch.

Please make sure to include the space between first and second half - e.g. AB1 2CD
There are 46 individual Wildlife Trusts, each of which is a place-based independent charity. Supporters of The Wildlife Trusts typically work at either a local level with one or more Wildlife Trusts, or at national level, facilitated by the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts (our central office).
Would you like to subscribe to our newsletter to keep up to date with news relevant to business and nature, including updates on TNFDs, Biodiversity Net Gain, and employee engagement?
If you are already subscribed then this will not affect your regular membership or news mailings. If you are an existing Wildlife Trust member or contact this will not affect your regular membership mailings or contact necessary for the administration of your membership. We promise to protect your data, in accordance with Wildlife Trust Privacy Policy.
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Project benefits

Swans in Channel
Nature slows the flow 

Natural flood management

Natural solutions such as tree planting, reconnecting floodplains and wetland creation, slow the flow of water through catchments, helping to reduce flood risk downstream to homes and businesses. These measures support wildlife, store carbon and improve water quality too.
An expanse of dry, cracked earth at a reedbed, the result of a drought
Nature stores water

Natural drought protection

Restoring habitats such as wetlands and peatlands helps store water in the landscape and builds resilience to drought through maintaining water supplies for both people and wildlife. Re-wetted areas provide a refuge to wildlife and store vast amounts of carbon too.
Beaver Eating - David Parkyn
Bringing back nature’s engineers

Keystone species

Reintroducing keystone species brings back natural processes that improve biodiversity and climate change resilience. Keystone species like beavers and large herbivores are nature’s engineers, shaping their habitats in ways that enhance resilience and help other wildlife thrive.
Split level view of the River Itchen, with aquatic plants: Blunt-fruited Water-starwort (Callitriche obtusangula) Itchen Stoke Mill is visible on the left.
Nature cleans up catchments

Pollution reduction 

Healthy rivers and wetlands trap sediment, filter out pollutants, and absorb excess nutrients, helping to improve water quality. These natural processes help the provision of clean and safe water for people and wildlife.
A group of adults and children in a community garden opposite a block of flats. The sign reads 'Forest Garden' and there are bushes and sunflowers, amongst other plants
Nature supports neighbourhoods

Community benefits

Restoring our rivers and surrounding areas helps people access nature-rich spaces, supporting their mental and physical wellbeing, and helping prevent illnesses. It improves air and water quality, and helps communities cope with flooding, drought and extreme heat.
This Rivers 2040 project is hosted on the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts' website on behalf of Wildlife Trusts. Project goals, fundraising totals and other information reflect the latest information available at the point of publication and may be subject to change.