Conservationists filled a 1.2km river channel, new Somerset wetland now attracts rare wildlife

Conservationists filled in 1.2km of a man-made channel of the River Aller on the Holnicote Estate in Somerset, enabling the water to spread naturally.

The Stage 0 river restoration has created approximately seven hectares of wetlands, more than ten football pitches in area.

Within a year, the project reduced flood peaks downstream, improved water quality, and raised groundwater levels.

The restored landscape has attracted rare wildlife, including fish, birds, and water voles.