Hillylaid wetland

  One of the two new storage wetlands along the Hillylaid Pool watercourse

At an old ICI site in Thornton we worked with the landowner to create a new wetland area to store 6,000m3 water, creating capacity during periods of high rainfall as well as providing opportunities for wildlife and improving water quality. 

  Straightened watercourses

Watercourses have often been straightened in the past to save space or reduce flooding. The meanders are cut out to create an artificial channel which means water travels out of the area quickly because it doesn’t have to travel as far. However, the water then flows faster, causing erosion of the river banks and river bed which can increase the likelihood of flooding downstream. The river also tries to get back into its old channel due to gravity.

Hillylaid Pool

The existing Hillylaid Pool channel which runs through the site was straightened in the 1970s, leaving the old “paleochannel” stagnant. The work carried out reconnected the old channel to Hillylaid Pool to create a more natural watercourse. Two adjoining wetlands were also created which filter out pollutants, improving water quality as well as providing water storage to reduce downstream flood risk.

Wetlands for wildlife

The wetlands have also supplied new habitats for the wildlife on site. Common lizards, butterflies and small mammals currently use the area, along with a diversity of bird life. A new pond was also created to support great crested newts and brash piles were formed to provide habitat for hibernating amphibians and reptiles.