The Cotswolds Rivers Trust believes that the way forward is to bring landowners together through a landscape-scale restoration project. By working collaboratively, we can reconnect the river, restore its natural function and create a healthier, more resilient catchment — working with the river, rather than against it.
Project Objectives
The Reconnecting the Dikler project aims to restore the natural function, ecological health and resilience of the River Dikler through a coordinated, landscape-scale approach, bringing landowners, communities and partners together to work with the river rather than against it.
- Reconnect the river to its natural processes Identify and address historical modifications, impoundments and artificial constraints that prevent the river from functioning naturally. Restore natural flow patterns, improve connectivity and, where possible, reconnect the river with its floodplain.
- Improve water quality and ecological health Identify key sources of pollution and pressures on the river, working with landowners and relevant partners to reduce sediment, nutrient and other pollutant inputs. Create the conditions needed for healthier aquatic habitats and thriving wildlife.
- Restore habitats and biodiversity Enhance the diversity of in-channel, bankside and floodplain habitats through measures such as natural river features, riparian planting, wetland creation and the restoration of more natural channel forms. Support native species and improve ecological connectivity along the catchment.
- Build climate resilience Help the river and surrounding landscape better withstand droughts, floods and rising temperatures. Explore opportunities to slow the flow of water, retain water within the landscape, increase shade and improve natural water storage, benefiting both wildlife and land management.
- Bring landowners together at a landscape scale Develop a coordinated programme of restoration by working collaboratively with farmers, landowners and other stakeholders. Move beyond isolated projects to create a connected network of interventions that deliver greater benefits for the river and the wider catchment.
- Develop a long-term restoration plan Assess the river’s condition, identify priority locations and opportunities, and develop a practical, phased programme of restoration. Establish a pipeline of deliverable projects supported by evidence, landowner engagement and appropriate funding.
- Engage communities and demonstrate progress Raise awareness of the River Dikler’s challenges and restoration potential, encouraging local communities to take an active interest in its future. Monitor outcomes to demonstrate improvements in river health, habitat quality and catchment resilience over time.
Call to Action
As this project gets underway we are keen to hear from you
Become a river hero!
Call for Volunteers
Over the coming year, we plan to kick off a series of citizen science projects and engagement opportunities to further our understanding of our watercourses and to develop larger restoration projects.
Monitors out on the River Trails
You can get involved as a volunteer ‘monitor’ by adopting a section of the river. Monitors survey their allocated reach at least once every three months, and following extreme weather events, reporting any issues through a dedicated online system. We especially encourage people who live or work nearby to volunteer, helping to keep travel costs and carbon emissions to a minimum.
We would love to hear from you. To get involved, please contact ellie.pryor@cotswoldsriverstrust.org
