Woods For Water Event Success

On 28/11/25, two of the Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust (ESRT) team attended the Woods for Water - Recovering the Deben from Source to Sea drop in event at Wickham Market Village Hall.

This drop in event, led by the Forestry Commission, was attended not only by the Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust, but also the Woodland Trust, Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Environment Agency, Suffolk Tree Wardens and National Landscapes.

The majority of the organisations held stalls, allowing for the 75 attendees to speak one on one with experts from each organisation about current and future projects and ideas. Allowing for a flow of knowledge regarding the importance of woodland on land close to waterways, Matt Green and Luke Farnish from the ESRT team enjoyed meeting everyone that came to the ESRT stall to discuss the Recovering the Deben project, and discuss interests and future works.

WHY CAN WOODLAND BE SO VITAL RIVERS?

This event focused on the important relationship between woodland and waterways and how the presence of woodland on riparian land can ultimately improve a catchment.

The presence of trees along a river result in the creation of shade for the water, which can regulate water temperature and the nutrient level, it can also improve water quality by reducing harmful run off entering the waterway.

With the presence of trees and their root systems, rain water can be deflected by having to filter through a tree canopy, and fallen water can absorb deeply into surrounding soil and the tree's roots. This, along with the presence of woody debris shed from the woodland, can help to slow the flow of river water. Established root systems may also help to stabilise river banks and prevent erosion.

Woodland is also incredibly beneficial for local wildlife and the biodiversity of a habitat. It can offer a food course for birds, bats, fish and invertebrates and both the shade and debris shed from the trees can give fish the places they need in the water to shelter and rest.

HOW CAN THIS BE APPLIED TO RECOVERING THE DEBEN - FROM SOURCE TO SEA?

The presence of woodland and its benefits can very much be applied to 2 of the project's workstream groups,

Land and Water and Habitat Connectivity and Estuary Restoration. The Land and Water workstream focuses on supporting land management and agricultural practices that reduce nutrient run off, protect soils, and enhance biodiversity. The Habitat Connectivity and Estuary Restoration workstream focuses on strengthening links between habitats such as woodland and water, and improving fish passage and river flow for the Deben catchment. Throughout 2025, work has continued with partners and land owners to assess how riparian land can be improved and adjusted to benefit not only the immediate habitat, but the catchment as a whole.

THANK YOU

A big thank you from the Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust team to the Forestry Commission for leading the drop in event, to other organisation partners for their attendance, and everyone who attended to discuss the Recovering the Deben project, and the benefits of the presence of woodland along the catchment.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT WOODLAND AND WATERWAYS

Woods and water for climate change – Forestry Commission