Celebrating the Woodlands for Water Project and New Woodland Planting in the Severn Region
The Woodlands for Water project came to an end in March 2025 after four years of successfully planting and restoring trees alongside rivers across England. This vital project, funded by DEFRA through the Nature for Climate programme, was delivered by the Riverscapes Partnership. The partnership brings together experts from The Rivers Trust, National Trust, Woodland Trust and Beaver Trust, working across six river catchments and the entire National Trust estate in England.
Woodlands for Water has played a key role in creating new riparian woodlands and strategic catchment woodlands that improve water quality, support biodiversity and help tackle the climate crisis. By the end of the project, nearly 1 million trees had been planted across 288.25 hectares at 73 new woodland sites in England’s key river catchments. Severn Rivers Trust contributed by planting 66.49 hectares of trees, demonstrating our commitment to restoring and enhancing the Severn’s freshwater habitats.
Why Riparian Woodland Matters for Rivers and Climate
Riparian woodlands, which grow along the banks of rivers and streams, offer a range of important benefits. These wooded corridors provide shelter for wildlife, improve water quality by filtering harmful pollutants and help keep rivers cool during hot weather, which is essential for sensitive species such as Atlantic salmon and white-clawed crayfish. Riparian trees also play a significant role in reducing surface runoff from roads and agricultural land, limiting sediment and nutrient pollution that can damage freshwater ecosystems.
In addition, these woodlands contribute to natural flood management. Trees and their root systems slow the flow of water into rivers and reduce the impact of flooding downstream. Woodlands also absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to combat climate change.
New Woodland Projects in the Severn Region
Severn Rivers Trust has recently delivered two exciting woodland planting projects in Warwickshire and the Shropshire Hills that showcase the value of riparian tree planting and habitat restoration.
-
Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire
A new 4-hectare woodland has been planted on farmland upstream of Shipston-on-Stour. This project, supported by the Environment Agency and Stratford-on-Avon District Council, involved planting over 3,000 native trees to improve water quality and enhance riparian habitat. Alongside the trees, natural flood management features such as ponds and scrapes were created beside a 1.2 km stretch of the Knee Brook. These measures work together to slow water flow, reduce flood risk and provide valuable habitat for wildlife. -
River Onny Catchment, Shropshire Hills
As part of the Severn Woodlands Scheme, a 1-hectare woodland site has been planted within the River Onny catchment. This project supports the re-meandering of the river back to its original course across the floodplain, restoring natural river processes. A carefully chosen native species mix including oak, rowan, crab apple, hazel, hawthorn, alder and willow has been planted in pockets. This creates a varied habitat mosaic with tree-lined watercourses, copses and open spaces, which benefits biodiversity and landscape resilience.
Woodlands for Water: Project Highlights and Legacy
The Woodlands for Water project was the first major initiative developed by the Riverscapes Partnership with support from DEFRA. It aimed to establish riparian woodlands across six river catchments from Devon in the south west to Cumbria in the north west, as well as the National Trust estate across England.
The project achieved an impressive 288.25 hectares of woodland planting, with nearly one million trees established. These new woodlands form vital corridors that link fragmented habitats and support a wide range of wildlife. Riparian corridors also play a crucial role in climate adaptation by helping rivers and landscapes become more resilient to extreme weather events such as floods and drought.
Looking to the Future: Put Down Roots Campaign
Although the Woodlands for Water project ended in March 2025, the need for riparian woodland creation continues. If you want to learn more about woodland creation opportunities or get involved in restoring our rivers, please visit the Put Down Roots campaign. This ongoing initiative offers expert advice and support for landowners, communities and organisations who want to create new woodlands that benefit the environment and local people.
Join Us in Restoring Our Rivers
Severn Rivers Trust is proud to have been part of the Woodlands for Water partnership and is committed to continuing work that restores and protects freshwater habitats. Creating riparian woodlands is one of the most effective ways to improve river health, support wildlife and address the climate crisis.
Thank you to everyone who has supported these projects, including DEFRA, the Environment Agency, local councils, landowners, volunteers and partner organisations.
