Good news · Nature & wildlife · 14 October 2026
Wetlands created at Keswick Marsh to support River Yare wildlife
Environment Agency says wetlands were created at Keswick Marsh in Norfolk to help wildlife thrive on the River Yare. It says more than 7 hectares of riverbank and floodplain were reshaped to reconnect the river with surrounding land.
Environment Agency says wetlands were created at Keswick Marsh in Norfolk to help wildlife thrive on the River Yare. The project aims to restore the natural water cycle and create varied habitats for wetland species on the outskirts of Norwich.
It says more than 7 hectares of riverbank and floodplain were reshaped to reconnect the river with surrounding land. New ponds, shallow pools, and reshaped ditches allow water to spread naturally across the floodplain in winter. Amy Prendergast, catchment delivery manager at the Environment Agency in East Anglia, said: "It has been fantastic to work in partnership with Norfolk Rivers Trust to create new wetland features at Keswick Marsh, delivering vital habitat for wildlife on the outskirts of Norwich."
The River Yare is one of only 210 chalk streams in the world, with 58 chalk streams found in East Anglia. The Environment Agency is investing through its Water Environment Improvement Fund to restore and enhance the water environment. Donna Dean, restoration and catchment development manager at Norfolk Rivers Trust, said: "The site is already piquing the curiosity of a range of wildlife."
Various wildlife species, including egrets, coots, shelducks, newts, dragonflies, foxes, and a little ringed plover, have been recorded visiting the site. The project was supported by funding provided to the Norfolk Water Fund from the Royal Bank of Canada. Hannah Grey, programme manager at Water Resources East, said: "The Norfolk Water Strategy Programme (NWSP) was pleased to support this project through funding provided to the Norfolk Water Fund from the Royal Bank of Canada."
Written by StreetOwl from Environment Agency’s own announcement. It was drafted by StreetOwl’s own model, every figure and quotation was checked by code against the announcement, and it was read and approved by Michael Rossi before it went up. It says what was announced, not what anyone should do about it.
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