River Rede Reconnected to Historic Floodplain in Conservation Effort
A major floodplain restoration scheme has been completed as part of a conservation project for some of our most threatened native species.
Thanks to funding from Natural England’s Species Recovery Programme Capital Grant Scheme, Tyne Rivers Trust has completed the major floodplain restoration scheme in West Northumberland.
The scheme is part of the two-year project to tackle the challenges faced by freshwater pearl mussel, salmon and trout in our rivers.
The work carried out in early February 2025 has reconnected 0.6km of the River Rede, a major tributary of the North Tyne, to its historic floodplain. Two chutes have been created on the banks of the River Rede, and ditch blocking undertaken which has created approximately 10 hectares of wetland, providing a vital resource for wildlife including wading birds, amphibians and invertebrates.
An in-river boulder feature was also added on the Chesterhope Burn (a tributary of the River Rede) to ease fish passage over a small weir and increase the area of available breeding habitat.
Yve Martin, MaST Project Manager, said: “Floodplain reconnection on the North Tyne and Rede is essential for the future of our freshwater species including salmon, trout and the critically endangered freshwater pearl mussel. In high flow events the two chutes will carry water and suspended sediment onto the floodplain. Removing excess sediment and nutrients from the river will ensure gravel beds remain high in oxygen, improving spawning habitat for salmon and trout.”
The culmination of the project was the planting of 250metres of hedgerow by Tyne Rivers Trust volunteers which will act as a habitat for plants and wildlife, and filter pollutants before they reach the river.
Ginny Swaile, deputy director for Natural England in Northumbria, said: “This impressive floodplain restoration scheme on the River Rede represents a crucial step in protecting our precious freshwater ecosystems.
“By reconnecting the river to its historic floodplain, we are not only creating valuable wetland habitats but also directly supporting the recovery of endangered species including the freshwater pearl mussel. Natural England is proud to support this collaborative effort through our Species Recovery Programme, demonstrating how targeted conservation work can deliver significant benefits for both wildlife and local communities in Northumbria.”
