Eelscapes

The Eelscapes project is focusing on these species because they are endangered, and are good indicators of wetland health. This means their abundance in an area is a good measure of how well the wetland ecosystem is performing. Any work to increase the numbers and distribution of these two species will also benefit a range of other wetland species including amphibians, such as frogs and newts, wading birds and waterfowl.

European eel

Wetlands are critical to the lifecycle of eels, providing habitat for juveniles to mature into adults. Historically, the vast floodplain of the Severn Vale would have provided large areas of this high-quality, well-connected wetland habitat that eels need.. However, land reclamation and tidal barriers have contributed to large-scale declines in the number of eels able to access the Severn Vale. This aligns with a 90% decline in glass (juvenile) eels across Europe since the 1980s, which has led to the European eel being classified as being critically endangered.

True fox-sedge

True fox-sedge is listed as vulnerable on the Vascular Plant Red Data List for Great Britain, which is an evidence-backed indicator of plant health. This plant is restricted to a few locations in England, including a small colony centred around Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust’s Coombe Hill Canal & Meadows and Ashleworth Ham nature reserves. Given its vulnerability and relatively slow pace of natural spread, the Gloucestershire colony of true fox-sedge is likely to remain small, isolated and vulnerable to extinction. The Eelscapes project hopes that active intervention to improve wetland habitats will tackle this issue.   
 

Flood Risk Modelling is an integral part of the development phase work, and proposals will be carefully designed to manage flood risk to adjacent land and communities. Where appropriate, works may include creation of new embankments to control flood water. One of the potential benefits of this project is that changes to the flow of water in the area, caused by project works, may reduce flood risk for upstream or downstream communities. In addition, removal of flood defences in specific areas could allow defences elsewhere to be better maintained, which could mean better protection of some vulnerable communities.

The project’s impact on food production and the local economy is being assessed as part of the development phase. Much of the land included is already subject to regular flooding, which is predicted to increase with the impacts of climate change. In some parts of the project area, the land will continue to be farmed in wildlife-friendly ways, whilst in other areas farming may cease. Evidence-backed decisions on this will be made in detailed planning with the relevant land holders.

Where existing good quality habitat will be impacted by the project, careful consideration is being given to how to proceed. Any proposal impacting protected habitats or species would require liaison with Natural England and other interest groups. Some of the existing habitats in the project area, such as species-rich grasslands, are already at risk from the impacts of climate change and increased flooding. The project will therefore consider recreating these habitats in other parts of the floodplain. This will help these habitats, and the species that rely on them, to become more resilient and sustainable long-term.  

Providing opportunities for public access to green space is vital for health and wellbeing, learning, and fostering connections between people and the natural world. The Eelscapes project will improve access to the Severn and its floodplain, in ways that are sensitive to the needs of local land holders, and do not impact sensitive habitats. Some access routes may need to be opened seasonally, providing new access opportunities, whilst also minimising potential impact on bird nesting and damage to habitats during periods of high rainfall.

Eelscapes is one of a range of projects currently being funded by Natural England as part of the Landscape Recovery scheme. Landscape Recovery is one of the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs’ (Defra’s) Environmental Land Management schemes (ELMs) that are replacing the EU’s agricultural funding. If the project moves into the implementation phase, the project will be funded by a blended finance approach combining public and grant funding with private commercial finance.    

If the project moves forward to the implementation phase, we will be keen to provide opportunities for local residents and other people to volunteer and get involved. However, in the development phase of the project, the team are busy carrying out surveys and developing plans, so there is limited opportunity for public involvement. The team are also currently creating communications and engagement plans for Eelscapes, setting out how the project will work with stakeholders to keep them informed of progress and to develop proposals together.