WADER is building several wetland nutrient and sediment trap systems at different locations on the Northumberland Coast to help stem nutrient outflow into the watercourse. The sites are all in the vicinity of Budle Bay. It is hoped that the wetland systems will reduce high levels of diffuse pollution in the watercourses themselves and also further downstream.

The team are adopting a range of approaches, with each wetland intervention bespoke-designed to accommodate the variabilities at each site. These innovative hydrological systems will trap the surface run-off and slow or divert water movement to capture sediment and pollutants. Using a combination of ponds, swales, trenches, seepage barriers, impermeable liners, dams and engineered systems, the wetlands or ‘sustainable drainage features’ will act as filters, absorbing nitrates, phosphates and sediments before they enter the intertidal zone.

Designers Blue Green Studio were appointed in Autumn ‘23 and submitted their first concept designs in November. So far in2024, we have progressed licences, consents and permissions, and commenced the build. Initial sediment ponds and an enhanced reedbed system have already been completed, and investigations begun for future site potential.

This multi-site strategy represents a pilot project which, if successful, could lead to a wider adoption of wetlands to mitigate diffuse pollution.