The River Ryton is a tributary of the River Idle - Photo © Sophie Bell
Project Outcomes
What has the Natural Flood Management project accomplished so far?
Read on for a summary of the Natural Flood Management works that have been undertaken so far. A dynamic map of the project sites can be found on the Rivers Trust's NFM Hub.
Old Meadow Wood and Old Spring Wood (at Thorpe Salvin)
This was the first site completed as part of the project, with the works undertaken by Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust's subsidiary EMEC Ecology. Leaky dams (locally sourced woody material in watercourses that can help reduce peak flows, mimicking the work of the Beaver – Nature’s engineers!) were created from site-won timber along Pudding Dyke in Old Meadow Wood and along the natural spring channel in Old Spring Wood. The aim is to slow the flow of water during heavy rainfall events.
Leaky dam at Thorpe Salvin
Leaky dam at Thorpe Salvin
Anston Stones Wood
The works at Anston Stones Wood began in February 2026 and almost completed as of March 2026. Leaky dams and surface flow deflectors have been created from site-won timber along Anston Brook.
Four limestone woodland locations have been planted with approximately 2200 trees along Butterfield Walk - the canopy trees largely oak and lime. To facilitate this planting a volunteer tree planting event was hosted on 28th February 2026 by Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, and representatives of Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and the Anston Parish Council. The event was successful and had 84 attendees!
Three wet woodland areas are also planned to be created in the wood via planting of approximately 100 willow and alder trees.
An existing pond on the site has been re-excavated, reprofiled and is being reseeded with wetland species and a wildflower and grass mix around the edge.
Leaky dam at Anston Stones Wood - Photo credit: Melanie Brown
Tree planting volunteers pose for a group photo - Photo credit: Ian Higginson
Tree planting volunteers working at Anston Stones Wood - Photo credit: Ian Higginson
Restored pond at Anston Stones Wood - Photo credit: Ian Higginson
Explore Manufacturing
Works at Explore Manufacturing were undertaken by EMEC Ecology. Seven leaky dams were created from site-won timber along Darfould's Dyke. Some brash bundles have been created to slow the flow of water. Some areas have been suggested to be rewetted for temporary storage of water.
Leaky dam at Explore Manufacturing - Photo credit: Melanie Brown
Worker digging near a leaky dam at Explore Manufacturing - Photo credit: Melanie Brown
Shireoaks Colliery
The works at Shireoaks were created in collaboration with the landowner (Notts County Council and the Friends of Woodlands and Coachwood Green). Approximately 60 Natural Flood Management interventions have been made, including 5 scrapes, 1 pond, lots of small leaky dams, and some surface flow deflectors.
Leaky dams are being installed in the small drains which run off the site into Chesterfield Canal and eventually the River Ryton. Works began 4th March 2026 on leaky dams and surface flow deflectors. Pond and scrapes will be created towards end of summer and will create lots of good habitat.
Leaky dam at Shireoaks Colliary
Dams built across stream at Shireoaks Colliary