River Idle Catchment Partnership

Catchment partnership vision

To conserve and enhance the Rivers Idle, Ryton, Poulter, Meden, Maun, their tributaries and surrounding land, to create a healthy and wildlife rich water environment for the benefit of both people and biodiversity.

Related websites

Find out more about the activities and ambitions of this catchment partnership and how you can get involved to help improve the water environment in the catchment.

• River Idle Catchment Partnership webpage
• Catchment Management Plans on CaBA website

Partnership success highlights 2016 to 2021

'Project Boost for Biodiversity' aiming to improve the condition of Idle Washlands site of special scientific interest (SSSI). This SSSI is split into four units and once a rich site for overwintering geese, swans and breeding waders. However, when the River Idle was deepened and, drainage of land lead to a lack of suitable habitat for waders and riparian habitat loss. Work between 2019 and spring 2021, led to 37 hectares of SSSI being restored, improving habitat for waders and water voles. In 2020-21 secured funds improved the water quality and increased habitat creation on partners' and 3rd party land. The project created wader scrapes and managed habitat to improve the SSSI condition and bring back breeding waders. Nesting waders were protected using fencing to help prevent dog disturbance. ‘Lively Up the Maun’ improves water quality and habitats along the River Maun. It is reducing illegal motorbike access, farmland soil run-off, eradicating invasive non-native species (INNS) and improving riparian habitat. Works included managing woodland at Spa Ponds, hedgerow laying, installing leaky woody structures in the channel, INNS removal and a timber barrier to prevent damage by bikes. Collaborating with Forest Town Nature Conservation Group, Nottingham Biodiversity Action Group and landowners is crucial in our projects being achieved.

Partnership development plans

Increasing engagement within the partnership from existing members and recruiting new community groups and government representatives. Identifying funding opportunities to complete work benefiting wildlife and public use of countryside. Staying committed to meeting its aims for improving water quality and the environment, while acknowledging underlying issues within the catchment.