Mersey Life

Over the past 25 years more than one billion pounds has been invested in cleaning the rivers of the Mersey Basin, explains Katherine Causer, project manager, Environment Agency.

But today, fragmented and degraded habitat, poor access and changes to river structures are key factors that are limiting the recovery of our rivers. Development too can put pressure on the integrity and functionality of our natural environment.

The Mersey Life Project aims to realise the ecological and socio-economic potential of the rivers of the Mersey Basin through a phased programme of river restoration projects.

The Mersey Life Project, managed by the Environment Agency, has developed a portfolio of multi-objective projects by using a geographic information system (GIS) as an analysis platform. This has allowed for factors that prevent the rivers from achieving their environmental potential to be identified and mapped.

The portfolio approach has assisted the development of collaborative processes and partnerships between key agencies and interest groups.

The Mersey Life Project now has a portfolio of over 170 multi-objective schemes which involve the restoration of 400 hectares of flood plain, 35 km of river channel and 870 hectares of woodland management.

There area also 100 schemes to enhance access and recreation including improved fishing access to 60km of river, schemes to introduce art and address safety issues along urban reaches of the river. Many of these projects cross local authority boundaries but are unified by the role they play in contributing to infrastructure planning.

The Mersey Life Project and portfolio demonstrate how river restoration for both people and wildlife is best facilitated through being part of strategic green space planning.

• For more information or to become involved in the deliver of the Mersey Life Project contact Katherine Causer on 01925 54331