NATURAL EDGES
Restoring riverbanks and wetlands to protect water quality and wildlife
PROJECT LEAD: Suffolk FWAG
CONTACT: deben@essexsuffolkriverstrust.org
PROJECT PARTNERS: Essex & Suffolk River Trust, Lower Deben Riparian Owners Group, Suffolk FWAG, Upper Deben Farm Cluster
FUNDING: Water Restoration Fund
OVERVIEW
The Recovering the Deben: From Source to Sea project is a collaborative environmental initiative focused on restoring the ecological health and climate resilience of the River Deben, from its source to its SSSI-designated estuary. Led by Suffolk FWAG, the project uses a natural capital baseline to assess current conditions and identify priority areas for action. Central to this is the development of natural edges - enhanced riparian zones that protect water quality, stabilize soil, and support biodiversity. These areas will play a key role in defending farm businesses and local communities from the impacts of climate change.
WHY IT MATTERS
Natural edges such as riverbanks and wetlands are vital transitional zones that provide numerous ecological services, including erosion control, flood mitigation, and pollutant filtration. By restoring these edges, the project aims to build multifunctional landscapes that are resilient to extreme weather and beneficial for wildlife and people alike. Nature-based solutions like reedbeds, water banking, and wetland creation are essential tools in this integrated water management strategy, promoting a whole-river ecosystem approach.
DELIVERY
Using advanced tools like Land 360 and GIS mapping, the project goes beyond traditional conservation by incorporating high-resolution satellite data and field surveys to generate detailed strategic maps. These highlight where targeted interventions will be most effective, maximizing environmental benefits and cost-efficiency. Through collaboration with local landowners and farm clusters, the initiative ensures that actions are tailored, practical, and impactful.
NEWS & UPDATES
SUFFOLK FWAG’S NATURAL CAPITAL BASELINE FOR SUPER BUFFERS: The Deben flows for nearly 38 miles from source to sea and the estuary is a Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI). Climate change resilience depends on highly functional landscapes to protect us from catastrophic events that put farm businesses and communities at risk. Suffolk FWAG are conducting the first ever natural capital baseline for the river Deben. From this, we will identify a range of key priority areas for exemplary water management, leading with a Super Buffer to protect this vital riparian system. Read more
