Six months after restoration work on Rathmoss Beck above Ulverston, early ecological monitoring is showing highly encouraging results.

The beck, which flows into Pennington Reservoir and ultimately supplies drinking water to Ulverston and the surrounding area, underwent restoration works last autumn to improve biodiversity, water quality and habitat condition on Kirkby Moor. The project was delivered in partnership with South Cumbria Rivers Trust and funded by United Utilities, who manage the reservoir.

Reopening a Buried Watercourse

Historically, sections of Rathmoss Beck had become buried and culverted, restricting natural flow, light penetration and habitat function. The restoration project removed collapsed culvert sections, reopened the channel and allowed the watercourse to return to a more natural state.

By restoring the beck’s ability to meander and interact with its floodplain, conditions have been created for improved aquatic and riparian habitat. Willow planting has also taken place to help stabilise banks and provide additional ecological value.

The objective was straightforward: allow the river to function as a river again.

Measurable Results on the Ground

On 25 June, a volunteer field survey led by Hannah Teagle of South Cumbria Rivers Trust assessed fish populations within the newly restored section. Using specialist electrofishing equipment to temporarily stun fish for counting and measurement, the team recorded 27 brown trout parr and fry within a 10-metre stretch over the course of one hour.

Significantly, the newly uncovered section of the beck is now functioning as an active spawning ground for brown trout. Prior to restoration, the covered stretch was in darkness and unsuitable for spawning.

The survey findings indicate the establishment of a young, healthy and growing trout population — an early but clear indicator that habitat improvements are delivering ecological benefit.

Supporting Water Quality and Biodiversity

Brown trout are a sensitive species and an important indicator of river health. Their presence, alongside invertebrate communities that develop in functioning watercourses, contributes to improved water quality before water reaches the reservoir.

The restoration of Rathmoss Beck forms part of a wider programme of land management initiatives across our farms aimed at improving biodiversity, resilience and long-term sustainability. Many of these projects are delivered collaboratively with environmental partners and water companies, recognising the shared interest in healthy upland catchments.

As David Harvey, Land Agent for Holker Group, notes:

“The Rathmoss Beck restoration project is one of a host of initiatives we’re undertaking on our tenant farms to improve biodiversity and sustainability. It is encouraging to see such visible ecological recovery in a relatively short period of time. We are grateful to South Cumbria Rivers Trust for their expertise and to United Utilities for supporting the project.”

Projects such as this demonstrate how practical habitat restoration, delivered through partnership, can deliver measurable environmental gains while supporting the long-term stewardship of our land.