The Waver Wampool Catchment Project

Percy Hill Farm – Little Waver Watercourse Improvements
Delivered on behalf of West Cumbria Rivers Trust

As the appointed contractor, we were pleased to support West Cumbria Rivers Trust (WCRT)—an environmental charity dedicated to improving the quality of rivers and streams across West Cumbria—by delivering a series of practical land and riverbank management interventions at Percy Hill Farm.

The project focused on reducing silt and nutrient runoff into the Little Waver, with the dual aim of enhancing water quality and boosting local biodiversity.

Key Works Undertaken:

• Fencing installed along both sides of the Little Waver over a stretch of approximately 1.2 km, creating a 5-metre buffer zone to protect the river from livestock impact.

• Construction of a designated livestock watering point with two water gates, and conversion of the existing river crossing into a silt-proof access point using concrete railway sleepers.

• Riverbank stabilisation at two erosion-prone locations (totalling 40m), involving re-profiling, installation of brashing, and planting of willow stakes to reinforce bank structure.

• Planting of approximately 300 native trees and shrubs across 0.5 hectares, with protective guards and stakes (except for alder, which were planted unguarded as per specifications).

These interventions will help mitigate diffuse pollution, restore natural vegetation, and create a more resilient and biodiverse riparian corridor along the Little Waver.

We are proud to bring our environmental expertise to this project, supporting WCRT’s mission to protect and enhance West Cumbria’s water environments for both people and wildlife.