19 September 2025

This month work started at Common Farm and Common Wood on the Natural Flood Management (NFM) project aimed at improving habitats and reducing downstream flood risk in Windermere. The woods and farm are looked after by the National Trust.

NFM is all about increasing the amount of water which can be stored upstream of flood risk areas and slowing the flow of that water into the main rivers. We’ll be creating ponds and wetlands on the wettest areas of the farm – by storing water in these features in the landscape we’ll slow the flow of water into Mill Beck, which flooded parts of Windermere town during Storm Desmond in 2015.

The work will also benefit nature; creating new wetland habitats and supporting the wider nature restoration efforts on the farm and once established, the ponds will be sources of drinking water for the cattle. Wetland is also a fantastic carbon store, locking away more carbon than an equivalent area of woodland.

Hannah Haydock, Riverlands Project Officer, National Trust, says

‘We’ve had the diggers in moving substantial amounts of earth and excavating the initial ponds. Already it’s making a dramatic change to the landscape. With all the heavy rain we had at the start of September it’s great to see how the ponds are filling up. We are monitoring the impact of this project by tracking water levels, flow rates, pH, phosphate, and turbidity alongside physical assessments of the river banks, vegetation and wildlife. This data is also shared with Environment Agency and the Rivers Trusts to help shape future NFM projects across the country.’

Pond construction is expected to be completed by early October. There are plans in place to keep disruption to a minimum. If you’re walking in the area, make sure to follow any safety signage and guidance in place. The National Trust will begin the second phase of the project in spring 2026, creating three additional wetland areas 

Thanks to the Environment Agency for funding this project.

Find out more at: National Trust Our work in Windermere and Riverlands projects in Cumbria