Aire Wetlands

Enhancing Nature. Reducing Flood Risk. Supporting Our Community.

Led by the Aire Rivers Trust (ART), partnering with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust (YWT), and supported by the Aire Catchment Network (ACN) this programme will develop a network of connected wetland restoration projects across the Aire catchment.

April 2025 - March 2027 (Feasibility Phase)

By the end of this two-year feasibility phase we will have developed a network of engaged landowners and created a prioritised pipeline of wetland restoration sites. Aire Wetlands will aim to:

Reverse decades of wetlands loss

The 2024 State of Yorkshire’s Nature Report reported that over 80% of Yorkshire’s wetlands have been lost leading to habitat fragmentation and loss of biodiversity.

Enhance biodiversity

Wetland restoration will create diverse, high-quality habitats that support a wide range of species including native plants, critical invertebrate populations and migratory wading birds.

Increase habitat connectivity

Developing a network of projects will crucially align us with West and North Yorkshire Local Nature Recovery Strategies, the Humber River Basin Management Plan, and the Lawton Principles of “more, bigger, better and joined.” for creating habitats.

Improve water quality

Water quality improvements are paramount as most waterbodies within the Aire catchment fail to reach "Good Ecological Status” under the Environment Agency’s Water Framework Directive (WFD).

Increase climate resilience

Wetlands act as significant carbon sinks, capturing and storing carbon in waterlogged soils and vegetation, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Slow the flow

Reconnecting rivers to their floodplains and creating new wetland features will help to slow the flow of water during storm events, reducing peak river levels and downstream flood risk for communities.

Increase access to high quality blue and green spaces

Access to nature is strongly linked to improved physical health and mental wellbeing. Restored wetland sites will incorporate access routes and interpretation boards to connect communities to local wetlands.

What's next? (Development & Delivery Phases)

The next steps after feasibility will focus on:

Further development and long-term planning, ensuring the programme is well designed, prioritised and ready for delivery at scale.
Securing clear and sustainable funding to support wetland restoration across the Aire catchment.
Building strong, long-term landowner relationships, providing the confidence and continuity needed to enable delivery.
Moving into delivery and undertaking works on the ground, helping to deliver lasting environmental, social and economic benefits for communities and wildlife across the region.

This project is made possible thanks to Yorkshire Water and the Environment Agency's Water Environment Improvement Fund

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The Aire Rivers Trust is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales No: 07464227 and a Registered Charity No: 1145609
Registered Office at: Bizspace, Albion Mills, Albion Road, Bradford BD10 9TQ