Client: RSPB Project Type: River Restoration | Wetland Creation | Habitat Enhancement Recognition: UK River Prize – Project-Scale Award 2025
Project Overview
TM Lindsay Ltd was proud to deliver the construction works for the award-winning restoration of Howgill Beck at the RSPB's Geltsdale Nature Reserve in Cumbria.
The project focused on restoring more natural river processes, reconnecting the watercourse with its floodplain and creating a greater diversity of wetland and in-channel habitats.
The completed scheme was recognised by the River Restoration Centre with the prestigious UK River Prize – Project-Scale Award 2025.
Our Delivery
Working within this environmentally sensitive nature reserve, our team delivered a range of river and floodplain interventions designed to improve hydrological function and create a more naturally functioning landscape.
Offline wetlands, scrapes, ponds and ditch blocks were created to retain water within the landscape, slow surface runoff and provide additional wetland habitat.
Within the channel, inset berms were excavated to widen selected sections, improve channel diversity and reconnect areas of low floodplain.
Boulder rapids were also constructed using site-won stone, helping to diversify flows and encourage natural gravel deposition.
Environmental Protection
The site supports important wildlife, including adders, requiring carefully controlled access and working methods.
Designated access routes and environmental protection measures were followed throughout construction to minimise disturbance while allowing the restoration works to be successfully delivered.
Key Works
River and floodplain restoration
Offline wetland creation
Ponds and scrapes
Ditch blocking
Inset berm construction
Floodplain reconnection
Boulder rapid construction
Reuse of site-won stone
Working within a sensitive nature reserve
Protected-species mitigation
Project Outcome
The completed project has improved channel diversity, floodplain connectivity and wetland habitat across the site, creating a more naturally functioning and resilient river system.
Its recognition through the UK River Prize 2025 provides independent recognition of the quality and environmental value of the wider restoration project.
