River Plan Puts Benefits Above £7 Per £1 Invested

The Rivers 2040 Vision, released by The Wildlife Trusts, Trent Rivers Trust and Intact Insurance, estimates that every £1 invested in river restoration could generate more than £7 in benefits for nature, communities and the economy. The plan sets out nature-based solutions, local water control and a long-term water strategy as priorities for England’s waterways. Its analysis covers the River Trent’s 350km of catchments, floodplains and riverbanks. The partners say restoration can support cleaner water, flood management, carbon sequestration, green jobs, recreation and health outcomes.

Nature Based Restoration

The Vision calls for floodplains, wetlands and peatlands to be restored, alongside nature-friendly farming and wet woodland creation. It says these measures can help protect homes, businesses and communities from flooding and water pollution when deployed across whole river catchments.

Just 14% of England’s rivers currently meet ecological health standards. The release says 1 in 4 properties could be at risk of flooding by 2050 without action, while the Government is likely to miss legal targets to restore almost 80% of England’s waters by 2027.

Local Water Control

The partners propose Regional Water Authorities under the Government’s devolution agenda. These bodies would bring together locally focused investment and expertise to address pollution and pressure on water resources at catchment scale.

Chris Reid, deputy senior vice president at Intact Insurance, said:

“As extreme weather becomes more frequent, we need to think differently about how we protect our communities. Restoring rivers, floodplains and wetlands can help manage water, reduce flood risk and make the places where people live and do business more resilient.”

River Restoration Vision

The Vision was released alongside A River Speaks, a film following the River Trent from source to sea. Voiced by actor Vicky McClure, the film features conservationists, farmers, schoolchildren and communities working to restore the river’s health.

Chris Reid, deputy senior vice president at Intact Insurance, said:

“The Rivers 2040 Vision shows what is possible when we restore and protect nature at scale. By working with The Wildlife Trusts, we are helping to create healthier rivers that are better able to adapt to a changing climate and build more resilient communities.”