AMBITIOUS long-term plans to restore nature across more than 5,000 hectares along the river corridors of the River Wye between Leominster and Symonds Yat, have been formally submitted to Defra as part of the government’s new Landscape Recovery programme.

The Wyescapes project brings together 49 farmers and land managers working collaboratively including farms up and down-stream of Ross-on-Wye.

The plans aim to restore wildlife habitats, improve river health, reduce flood and drought impacts and support sustainable food production on climate-resilient, thriving farms.

The unique ecology of the River Wye faces critical challenges due to the combined environmental stresses of habitat degradation, pollution, and climate change. In 2023 the River Wye had its health status downgraded from ‘unfavourable –improving’ to ‘unfavourable – declining’.

As part of the new development phase Herefordshire Rural Hub has been working with partners Herefordshire Meadows, Herefordshire Wildlife Trust and The Wye and Usk Foundation.

Max Eckert, programme manager at Herefordshire Rural Hub, said: “This project shows what is possible when farmers and partners work together at landscape scale.

“Across the Wye and Lugg valleys we’ve identified thousands of actions to restore wildlife habitats, protect soils and support river recovery — while keeping farms productive and resilient for the future. “Taken together, these changes could make a real difference to the health of our river corridors for generations to come.”

The final submission covers 5,012 hectares of land where active project interventions are proposed — equivalent to 12,385 acres or around 50 km2.”

Across this agricultural landscape, land managers have identified major opportunities to restore habitats and enhance nature and river-friendly farming, including: 2,000 acres of new floodplain meadow and species-rich grassland; 330 acres of new woodland; 220 acres of new wetlands; 1,385 acres of arable land reverting to grassland; 3,000 acres of arable land managed for improved soil health and climate resilience; 22 kilometres of new hedgerows; 75 acres of buffers, margins and flower-rich strips and 660 acres of wood pasture, parkland and orchards.

Some 30 farms and land holdings have also put forward proposals to improve public access, including new permissive paths and better accessibility for a wider range of people.

For local communities, the project aims to create new opportunities to experience and connect with the landscape.

Plans include inclusive engagement events, volunteering opportunities and a schools’ programme enabling Herefordshire pupils to visit local farms and learn more about sustainable food production and nature.

Mark Wood, chairman of the Wyescapes board and farm manager of Peter Clay Farms, said: “These plans represent nearly two years of work and an enormous amount of collaboration between farmers, land managers and local partners. Everyone involved cares deeply about the future of our rivers and our farms, and this proposal shows what can be achieved when we work together.”

If approved, the project would run for 30 years, delivering long-term benefits for nature, farming and local communities close to the River Wye.

Defra will now review the plans and if successful, formal negotiations on an implementation agreement would follow. A final decision is not expected until later this summer.