Our Working Wetlands team has been true to its name by creating a brand new wetland at a farm in mid Devon.

Cooperating with a local landowner, the wetland in question covers four hectares close to the village of Calverleigh, near Tiverton. The project has seen the creation of 20 shallow ponds, the construction of a series of earth banks and woody dams, plus the realignment of a watercourse from a nearby human-made channel.

Just months on from completion the site now has area of open water, while its margins are being colonised by wet-loving plants.

Working Wetlands Advisory Officer David Rolls has overseen the work. David said: 

“At this site we’ve brought back a wetland that was removed years ago. It brings with it a series of benefits. By slowing and storing water within its four hectares it is helping to reduce flooding downstream. Its ponds are also helping to clean water by trapping soil and other run-off in its ponds and behind its woody dams. In summer the wetland’s stored water will keep surrounding pasture green and provide good grazing for the landowner’s cattle. Last, but not least, the wetland has also created a new wildlife habitat.”

But David’s ambition isn’t limited to this one wetland. He also said: 

“We see this as an ideal demonstration site. Every Devon farm and community needs a wetland. Every farm has a wet corner, what historically has been often called a problem field; but the truth is far from it. With appropriate management they could provide a new income source as well as summer grazing at a time when many fields are parched and grazing is at a premium.”

You can find out more about Working Wetlands and its land advisory projects: 

Learn about Working Wetlands

This wetland creation has been made possible through the support of Devon Woods (a North Devon Biosphere project funded by the Environment Agency), South West Water (through its Upstream Thinking Project), Springwater Farm and South West Natural Solutions.