The image shows a sustainable drainage scheme in the foreground – a drainage ditch filled with rocks of various sizes and vegetation. The background shows trees, a path, and houses.
Natural Course project at Dales Brow, Salford – sustainable drainage scheme reducing urban diffuse pollution and surface water flooding from a nearby road. Credit Manchester City of Trees
Natural Course is a partnership of public, private and third sector organisations, led by the Environment Agency. It was originally funded by the European Union LIFE Integrated Project. It is now integral to improving our understanding of how to overcome barriers to improving water environment in North West England.
Since 2015, £3 million has been invested in the Greater Manchester, Mersey and Cheshire area to trial new, innovative ways of working. So far, this partnership has addressed over 90 key challenges to the water environment. More than 11,000 individuals from 177 stakeholder groups have been engaged. As a result, the area is in a stronger position to positively influence policy and decision making.
Natural Course is mobilising more funding, including £14 million committed for:
- integrated working, using a natural capital approach for generating investment in the environment
- engaging stakeholders to bring the River Irk to life
- urban catchment forestry – managing urban water pressures
- constructing sustainable drainage systems like at Dales Brow
- the urban catchment operations approach to restoring rivers and solving physical modifications
Source: Environmental Agency 23rd October 2021
