Project

Landscapes for Water

Tree tubes on Marsden Moor in autumn with one person tending them and two dogs visible — Tending to the young trees on Marsden Moor is a year round job | © Bruce Walker

Our 'Landscapes for Water' partnership programme is a five-year plan to plant more than 300,000 trees and install 3,500 leaky dams, boosting climate resilience for local people and wildlife.

Together for climate resilience

Our work in the South Pennines is crucial to support the region’s nature, wildlife and people, especially as we begin to see more named storms and extreme weather events.

Water is a key part of this landscape – high rainfall has helped to create peat-rich moorlands, rivers and reservoirs. However many of our upland blanket bogs have been degraded through centuries of industrialisation, compromising their ability to hold water and leading to an increased risk of both fire and flood.

Now with our partner Yorkshire Water – and with help from other partners including the White Rose Forest, and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority – we're looking to restore the landscape across our shared landholdings in the Upper Calder and Colne catchments, stretching from Marsden Moor in the south to Heptonstall Moor in the north, across five main areas, totalling 5,500 hectares.

By planting trees on the moorland fringes and installing natural flood management, we will improve upland habitats and make our landscapes more resilient to the dangers of climate change.

Watch our video to learn more

What have we done so far?

1 October 2024

Leaky dams start to go in

Contractors at the Yorkshire Water moorland landholding around Baitings and Ryburn reservoirs have started to make stone dams with gaps in them to allow the normal flow of water and wildlife to pass through unimpeded. At Marsden Moor, diggers arrived to build similar dam structures out of turf, which remould the topography, creating ephemeral pools that gradually fill up with rainfall, providing habitat and hydration for wildlife, as well as slowing the flow. Willow dams will also be added as the project progresses. These are made using bunches of willow twigs and stakes to create living wooden structures in the moorland channels.

Leaky turf dam after rain with person and two dogs — Countryside Manager Rosie Holdsworth and friends assess a new leaky dam on Marsden Moor | © National Trust/Jess Yorke

Why plant woodlands?

Forests and native woodlands have been shown to substantially reduce downstream flood risk, stop peat erosion and provide wildlife habitat as well as storing carbon. Tree planting will focus on small valleys, called cloughs, where trees existed in the distant past. In total, we'll plant 350 hectares of native trees including rowan, oak and birch, which thrive in harsh climates like our windy moors.

Establishing new woodland requires careful planning and mapping to ensure that we plant the right trees in the right place. We are using advice from the Forestry Commission, Natural England, archaeologists, RSPB, upland specialists and the Woodland Trust. The trees will form part of the White Rose Forest: North and West Yorkshire's community forest.

Why leaky dams?

Many South Pennine uplands have been degraded by industrial pollution and fires, which have created areas of dry and exposed peat, leading to soil erosion and water run-off. This can have a serious impact on downstream communities, as excess rain can lead to flood surges. Leaky dams help slow the flow of water on the moors, protecting communities downstream, rewetting the moor and protecting peat.

Who does this work benefit?

Good for the environment

Slowing the flow of rainwater with leaky dams will keep it on the moorland, where it helps peat (which is made of organic matter that hasn't fully decomposed) to develop and act as a carbon store. A boggy moorland can also reduce wildfire risk. Our work will have the additional benefit of improving water quality in nearby reservoirs, and restoring habitats for existing and new species of plants, animals and insects.

Golden plover, adult on moorland grass — Golden plover | © National Trust Images/Dougie Holden

Good for wildlife

The Pennines are home to some of Britain's rarest species, which are increasingly under threat due to habitat loss and climate change. By restoring the habitats of the black grouse, red squirrel, pine marten, curlew, twite and merlin – and planning carefully existing species can thrive – we will see a huge boost for nature. We've conducted extensive bird and habitat surveys and worked with the RSPB to ensure our work has a positive impact.

Three people out on Marsden moor are squatting down in the moorland grasses, planting a tree — Members of the Canal and Rivers Trust on a planting day in March 2024 | © Cat Cormack

Good for people

Access to nature has proven benefits to wellbeing and mental health. Woodlands and reservoirs are a focal point for visitors to the countryside, so we are ensuring our design process reflects this. We are committed to connecting people to upland landscapes, enjoyed by millions each year. We're also working with farmers and neighbouring landowners to ensure that protecting nature and livelihoods go hand-in-hand.

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You can help!

We're looking for people to help with tree planting/ maintenance and leaky dam surveying, or community groups around the South Pennines who would be interested to learn more about upland conservation. To volunteer with us or to join our mailing list please email l4w@nationaltrust.org.uk

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A woman is leaning against a huge craggy rock with her back to the camera, admiring the view from Pule Hill on Marsden Moor, West Yorkshire. Grey clouds cast shadows across the moor, which stretches for miles into the distance.

Discover more at Marsden Moor

Find out how to get to Marsden Moor, where to park, the things to see and do and more.

Plan your visit

Yorkshire Water provides essential water and waste water services across Yorkshire.

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West Yorkshire Combined Authority works across West Yorkshire to develp and deliver policies, programmes and services which directly benefit the people of West Yorkshire.

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The White Rose Forest is the community forest for North and West Yorkshire, working in partnership with local authorities, landowners, businesses and communities to increase woodland across the region and improve our natural environment.

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The England Trees Action Plan 2021 to 2024 sets out the government’s long-term vision for the treescape it wants to see in England by 2050 and beyond.