Whittle Dene Catchment: Northumberland and Cumbria Wildlife Trusts

Spanning the catchment from Hadrian's Wall at Whittle Dene to the North Tyne, this project will work with landowners, local communities and key stakeholders to restore and reconnect habitats across the landscape while strengthening people's relationship with the natural environment. The programme will focus on improving habitat connectivity, removing invasive species and increasing the diversity of native species, creating a more resilient ecosystem that supports wildlife across the catchment.

Working in partnership with local landowners, Whittle Dene CIC, the village of Ovingham, users of the Hadrian's Wall National Trail and Northumbrian Water reservoir interests, the project will take a catchment-scale approach to nature recovery. Alongside habitat restoration, it will improve access to nature and encourage greater community stewardship, helping local people and visitors play an active role in caring for the landscape.

By linking habitats, enhancing ecological resilience and fostering long-term collaboration, the project aims to create a healthier and more connected catchment that delivers lasting benefits for wildlife, communities and the wider environment.

This project will improve access to nature and help local people and visitors play an active role in caring for the landscape.

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

Mixed delivery: the project combines direct implementation with advisory, facilitation or partnership-based approaches to achieve outcomes across the landscape.

Project readiness

Scoping: feasibility work is underway to define the project, understand risks and opportunities, establish delivery requirements, and assess environmental, social and financial outcomes.

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.

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Project benefits

Split level view of the River Itchen, with aquatic plants: Blunt-fruited Water-starwort (Callitriche obtusangula) England: Hampshire, Ovington, May

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.

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.