Slowing the Flow on the Dunthwaite Estate

Dunthwaite Estate has an extensive drainage network draining water from the slopes and soils into the river Derwent. However, we know that the river often experiences major flood events, suffering significant damage in floods in both 2009 and 2015. Artificially draining the landscape can increase the severity of floods, as water is drained too rapidly into our rivers. It also leads to overly-dry landscapes which undermines soil stability, makes it harder for plants to thrive and limits water sources for wildlife – and for livestock.

To help the landscape recover at Dunthwaite, we used a range of Natural Flood Management techniques to slow the flow of water. By bocking ditches and creating natural features like ponds, these techniques are storing water in the landscape and slowing the flow as it enters the river Derwent. Reinstating these natural features have also created wetland areas, providing excellent habitats for wildlife to thrive.

10,000 metres cubed of seasonal ponds –that’s 4 Olympic swimming pools!