Rising waters | Rooted solutions
Appersett success: farmers invited to join flood resilience efforts
We’ve collaborated with landowner, Nick Prince, to deliver impactful measures that reduce flood risks, enhance wildlife habitats, and support farming livelihoods - all at no cost to participants.
Ousewem has completed its successful natural flood management (NFM) pilot project in Appersett, near Hawes, marking the beginning of an exciting journey to create a more resilient future. With the support and collaboration of landowner Nick Prince, we’ve delivered impactful measures that reduce flood risks, enhance wildlife habitats, and support farming livelihoods - all at no cost to participants.
What we achieved in Appersett
With Nick’s support, we have installed:
- 12 wetland scrapes (shallow temporary ponds)
- Capture and store surface water to reduce flooding
- Provide vital habitats for wading birds
- Serve as natural drinking spots for livestock
- 15 leaky barriers and willow and shrub planting
- Slow water flow, pushing it onto the landscape during heavy rainfall
- Trees intercept and store water, reduce riverbank erosion, and create habitats for insects and protect at-risk species such as the native, white-clawed crayfish
- In future years, the willow carr will also provide excellent browsing habitats for livestock
- 650m of cross-slope hedges
- Planted more than 4,000 hedge plants to intercept surface water runoff, enhance soils, and reduce erosion and sediment runoff
- Provide habitat corridors for wildlife and act as a shelter belt for livestock, renew field boundaries and help off-set carbon emissions
Fully funded and farmer-focused
Our project is fully funded, expertly managed and delivered by our delivery team, ensuring no cost or administrative burden for participating landowners and tenants.
Key outcomes
Our work in Appersett is estimated to deliver these measurable results:
- 317m3 of effective (modelled) water storage: that’s 557,240 pints, showcasing the impact on flood resilience
- enhanced habitats: From insects to at-risk species like the curlew and white-clawed crayfish, these interventions are enhancing biodiversity
- future benefits: The willow carr and new hedgerows will continue to reduce flood risks, strengthen soils, and support farming sustainability
- farming enhancements: including 11 new gates, 1500 meters of fencing, and dry-stone walling repairs where required to allow delivery of NFM
Nick Prince, landowner and project participant, shared his experience:
"Working with Ousewem has been a collaborative and rewarding experience.
"The team’s expertise and support have shown how NFM interventions, when approached together, can make a bit difference – not just for managing water on my land, but for wildlife and the farm’s future too. I’d encourage other landowners to get involved. It’s a win for everyone."
Matthew Lyall, Natural Flood Management Project Officer for Ousewem, reflected on its success:
"It’s been inspiring working with Nick on this project and see how nature-based solutions can make a tangible impact.
"By tailoring the NFM interventions to the specific challenges of his land, we’ve not only reduced flood risks but also created habitats that will benefit wildlife and farming for years to come. Project like this show how practical, collaborative efforts can lead to long-term change."
Rachel Flood, Project Manager for Ousewem, highlighted the importance of collaboration:
"This project is a testament to what can be achieved when landowners and conservation experts work together.
"By implementing tailored natural flood management solutions, we’re not only addressing local flood risks but also laying the groundwork for climate adaptation across Yorkshire. Together, we’re creating landscapes that are resilient, sustainable, and supportive of both people and wildlife."
Amanda Crossfield, NFM Programme Manager for Ousewem, added:
"The great thing about these projects is that they provide multiple benefits—reducing flood risk, boosting biodiversity, and supporting farming livelihoods.
"By working together, we can create landscapes that are better prepared for the challenges of a changing climate."
Help us expand this impact
We are seeking farmers, tenants, and landowners in Hunton, Hawes, Bishop Monkton, Masham, and Arkengarthdale to join the Ousewem project. With eight additional projects already in development and funding secured until 2027, now is the perfect time to get involved.
“Natural flood management works best at scale,” added Amanda. “We’re eager to work with more landowners to create a landscape that’s better prepared for the challenges ahead.”
Interested in joining us? Contact our delivery team on email: [email protected].
Together, we can create a sustainable and resilient future.
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