MPs and leading conservation groups have called on the Prime Minister to back the Making Space for Water campaign, urging the creation of connected river corridors and support for farmers to restore wetlands, plant trees, and protect the nation’s rivers.
On 22 October, the Riverscapes Partnership, comprising of The Rivers Trust, National Trust, the Woodland Trust and Beaver Trust, delivered a letter to 10 Downing Street, signed by supportive MPs. It called upon the government to support the development of nationwide river corridors by outlining two main asks:
1. A public commitment from the Government to create a network of connected and multi-functional river corridors – including the use of nature-based solutions like river buffers, riparian tree planting and wetland initiatives.
2. As farmers and landowners are at the heart of this mission, the campaign also asks for simplified, targeted incentives to restore and enhance these areas by supporting river buffers, wetlands and tree planning as part of a sustainable farming future.
Parliamentarians present for the letter hand-in were: Lloyd Hatton, Labour MP for South Dorset and Julia Buckley, Labour MP for Shrewsbury.
The Making Space for Water campaign sets out to create a nationwide network of connected, nature-rich river corridors by implementing and upscaling these methods nationally. They will provide a multitude of environmental, economic and societal benefits by acting as natural infrastructure, slowing the flow, storing water in times of flood and drought, providing vital wildlife habitat, and filtering pollution from farmland and roads.
The campaign has continued support from chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, who said: “Our rivers are broken – choked, polluted, and confined. Making Space for Water means giving our rivers room to breathe and work naturally again – restoring wetlands, planting trees to strengthen and enhance river habitats, and creating thriving river corridors that work for nature, farmers and communities alike. The Government must back this vision with real commitment for a nature-rich river corridor network, and provide clear incentives to make it simple for farmers and landowners to be part of that change.”
Members of the public are also encouraged to add their voices to the Making Space for Water campaign by signing the gov.uk petition, which also calls for support for farmers and landowners to make space for water with more, easily accessible funding schemes.
The campaign is supported by over 40 organisations, including The Wildlife Trusts, WWF, Nature Friendly Farming Network, UK Youth for Nature, Wildlife and Countryside Link, CPRE, and River Action.
Mark Lloyd, Chief Executive of The Rivers Trust, said: “The drought this year and floods of recent years have made it clear how much climate change is altering our green and blue spaces, and how we desperately need to boost the resilience of our river systems to protect people, the economy and wildlife. Drought and flooding will continue to create environmental challenges that affect our landscapes, ecosystems and communities if more isn’t done to urgently restore our rivers. It is vitally important that the Government act now to Make Space for Water. We look forward to hearing back from the Prime Minister and working with this Government to grasp the opportunity for nature-rich corridors to protect our rivers and communities better, and that those on the ground delivering these nature-based solutions are robustly supported.”
Sandra King, Chief Executive of Beaver Trust, said: “When we give water room to act as it naturally would, life returns. This level of support from MPs backing our vision for connected, restored river corridors is a powerful and encouraging signal. We’re hopeful this marks the start of a real shift in how we manage water, and look forward to a response from the Prime Minister.”
Abigail Bunker, Director of Conservation and External Affairs of The Woodland Trust “ Rivers are vital nature-rich corridors – but only when they are in good ecological condition and allowed to work naturally. Woods and trees play a crucial role in the health of our riparian habitats – reducing erosion, removing pollutants and helping keep rivers cool – so it’s vital that riparian trees are protected, restored and planted in the right places for the benefit of people and nature.
It is essential that the Government acts now to Make Space for Water and support farmers with targeted incentives to restore and enhance rivers, as part of a sustainable farming future.”
Harry Bowell, Director of Land and Nature at the National Trust, said: “Our rivers are in crisis. We’re seeing the impacts of more frequent and extreme weather events – drought and extreme rainfall – play out across the landscapes we care for-from eroded riverbanks to lost habitats and increased flood risk.
“Restoring river corridors isn’t just good for nature-it’s essential for climate resilience, heritage protection and thriving communities. This campaign offers a clear, practical path forward. We urge the Government to back it with bold action and the right support for landowners and farmers to lead the way.”
Joan Edwards OBE, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at The Wildlife Trusts, said: “Rivers are the lifeblood of our landscape, grease the wheels of our economy and are enthralling, beautiful, calming places to visit – but only when in good condition. Supporting farmers and landowners to bring our rivers back to health means securing these benefits for society and nature, at the same time as futureproofing farm businesses and local communities. This is a worthy prize, that Government must prioritise.”