Restore rivers from source to sea

We have critically damaged our watery landscapes. We have straightened, dammed and constrained rivers within flood defences; destroyed lakes, back channels, wetlands, river banks and floodplains; and over-grazed, drained and damaged our uplands with plantations of non-native conifers.

Regenerate rivers, lakes and wetlands in partnership with local communities

1. By 2007, Defra and its agencies and local authorities must require forestry to comply with the Forestry Commission’s Forests & Water Guidelines.
   
2. By 2008, Defra must give the Environment Agency the power to restore river and floodplain morphology, including river banks, channels and wetlands.
   
3. By 2009, the Environment Agency should establish a well-resourced ‘Catchment Restoration Fund’ in each River Basin District, financed from pollution fines and public funds, to support public agencies and non-governmental organisations to restore river catchments.
   
4. By 2009, the Environment Agency must approve a comprehensive programme of work in each River Basin District to restore natural riverbanks, floodplains, backwater channels, buffer strips, native woodlands, local wildlife sites and wetlands, and to ease barriers to migratory fish.