Ambitious project will assess future of entire catchment of the Trent

COUNTRY'S LONGEST RIVER WILL BE NEW FOCUS OF SCHEME TO ASSESS WATERWAY'S VARIOUS BENEFITS

- By TELEGRAPH REPORTER

A NEW 18-month project has been announced to map and analyse the economic, environmental and societal benefits of restoring nature along the Trent, England's longest river from source to sea.

The opportunities for nature-based solutions along the river's 223.5 miles will be examined allowing partners including Derbyshire Wildlife Trust to create a transformational vision for the Trent's future, and a blueprint for restoring all rivers in England for the first time.

At a time when flood, drought, polluted water and lack of access to nature are major threats, the Rivers 2040 project aims seize the opportunity for change presented by the closure of power stations and gravel pits, changes in farming and a postindustrial future for people living along the Trent.

Rivers 2040 analysis will identify opportune land use changes and ideal locations for:

■Flood risk management such as through reconnecting rivers to their floodplains

■Providing people with access to nature, recreation and tourism opportunities

■Agriculture and fisheries

■Aggregate extraction alongside restoration of natural habitats