RSPB, Howgill Beck, Geltsdale Nature Reserve

Winner of the prestigious UK River Prize Project-scale Award 2025 by the River Restoration Centre.

Howgill Beck Habitat Enhancement - Contractor Works

We were commissioned to carry out a 4-week project aimed at enhancing the Howgill Beck watercourse, which originates 3km upstream of Stagsike on Cold Fell. The area, which flows through the Bruithwaite Forest—planted with 110,000 trees between 2004 and 2005—has matured, providing a unique opportunity to create wetland habitats, including wet woodland, to improve biodiversity.

Key Works Undertaken:

Creation of Off-line Features: We excavated several off-line features including scrapes, ponds, and ditch blocks to improve wetland areas. These features were designed to slow the flow of water as it leaves the fell before entering the beck, reducing the risk of downstream flooding while increasing wetland habitat for various species.
Inset Berms: Small sections of the existing channel were widened by excavating inset berms. These low-level shelves were created within the river channel to restore the natural meanders, re-establishing a low inset floodplain. This not only helps manage local water levels but also improves bank-side habitat diversity and creates a more natural width-depth ratio compared to the previous incised channel.
Boulder Rapids: Using stone gathered from the project site, we introduced boulder rapids to regulate water flow, enhance channel diversity, and promote the accumulation of finer gravels. The creation of these rapids also improves water oxygenation, essential for aquatic life.
Adder Protection: Recognising the importance of adders in the area (protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981), we adhered to pre-designated routes through the bracken to avoid disturbance to their habitats. The project aims to significantly benefit adders in the medium-long term by creating a mosaic of habitats, including wetlands that will offer enhanced habitat and food resources.

This project has made significant strides in enhancing both the hydrological functionality and biodiversity of Howgill Beck, with long-term benefits for local wildlife, including adders, and the surrounding ecosystem.