Anchor QEA’s Post

A win for nature!!!    Recent attention in the media has put the spotlight on the dire state of our rivers; in England only 15% meet the criteria for ‘good’ ecological status and shockingly, none achieve ‘good’ status overall1.  But there is hope, every year we are inspired by some of the best examples of river and catchment restoration showcased at the prestigious UK River Restoration Prize, awarded by UK River Restoration Centre (RRC).   It’s five years since we launched the Trust’s flagship river restoration programme, Riverlands, in response to the growing nature and climate crises and we couldn’t be more excited to announce that this year two of our projects were selected as finalists at the 2024 awards.  Our Cumbria Riverlands team scooped first prize in the catchment award alongside partner Ullswater Catchment Management CIC for their work restoring habitats around Ullswater2. To date, the collaboration has delivered 843 hectares of habitat restoration; initiatives covered over 13km of river restoration, 46 hectares of pond creation, over 16km of hedgerow creation, and significant restorations of wood pasture, peat, and wetlands. The works also included the ‘re-wiggling’ of Goldrill Beck which is often used as an exemplar.   Riverlands Porlock Vale Streams project was a runner up, recognised for it’s pioneering and innovative approaches to both river restoration and land management aimed at restoring natural processes at a catchment scale. Work has created an extensive, connected ‘waterscape’ that is nature rich and resilient to extremes in climate, whilst also remaining productive. This included the UK’s first large scale main river restoration using the stage zero technique and species reintroductions with beaver and water vole.   It’s fantastic to be recognised for the work we’ve been doing and huge thanks to our partners, funders, farmers and local communities; the work we’ve achieved demonstrates that together we can support natural rivers, thriving wildlife and resilient communities.   A big congratulations to the other finalists and everyone involved.    Environment Agency Natural England Danny Teasdale @DefraGovUK @UllswaterCIC #envAgencyNW #GreenRecoveryChallengeFund #TogetherForOurPlanet #UllswaterCatchmentManagementCIC     1) State of our Rivers 2024, Rivers Trust.  2) With support from the Cumbria River Restoration Strategy, which is led by the Environment Agency and Natural England. Image Credit: Jonathan Holdsworth

### 7. **Promoting Sustainable Urban Planning** - **Zoning Regulations**: Implementing zoning regulations that protect natural habitats from development can help maintain critical wildlife areas. - **Ecological Restoration**: Supporting projects that restore degraded habitats, such as wetlands and riparian zones, can enhance local ecosystems.

Governor Inslee recently visited the eelgrass restoration project at Larrabee State Park, a project which began after Herrera's Andrea MacLennan and Lisa Kaufman of Northwest Straits Foundation identified the need while sea kayaking. They are now working with project partners, including Washington State Parks and Department of Natural Resources, to secure funding for implementation. MacLennan: "Eelgrass plays a vital role in our coastal ecosystems, providing habitat structure, and essential refuge and migratory habitat for out-migrating salmonids from the Skagit and Nooksack Rivers, as well as attenuating wave energy. What excites me about this project is how it brings together diverse expertise to address a critical environmental need. Our partnership with State Parks, the Department of Natural Resources, and the Northwest Straits Foundation demonstrates how collaborative efforts can drive meaningful ecological change and set new standards for coastal restoration." The project will remove 1,300 feet of shoreline armor and pilings to restore eelgrass habitat, expanding coverage and addressing erosion. It exemplifies Herrera’s science+planning+design approach: combining scientific expertise with practical, nature-based solutions to address complex environmental challenges. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gCBepGAR

Key to RER restoration work is APRIL production-protection method, which integrates fiber plantations and natural forest restoration areas. This approach keeps forests safe from external threats by using managed plantations as buffer zones, while also generating funds that are channeled back into conservation and management. Over the past decade, this has proven to be a reliable and effective model for forest landscape restoration in Riau, and a scalable solution for conservation efforts nationwide. From production and protection to conservation, restoration, and community development, APRIL & RER continue to deliver positive impacts and nature-based solutions in Riau. #Climate #ExploreRER #aboutRER #fornature #naturebasedsolution #generationrestoration #forestprotection #APRIL2030 #thrivinglandscape

How do you support the maritime industry while balancing the needs of the environment and surrounding community? In Cleveland, we’re working on the Cleveland Harbor Eastern Embayment Resilience Strategy (CHEERS) which seeks to do just that by generating waterfront access and economic growth through coastal resilience, featuring a range of sustainable solutions along the shoreline of Lake Erie. For over 70 years, there has been limited access to the water’s edge due to a transportation corridor and vertical seawalls. A new park will create a connection point to the water while simultaneously providing coastal protection, natural habitat, and recreational opportunities for the community. The CHEERS project — spearheaded by the Port of Cleveland and Cleveland Metroparks — is expansive, imaginative, and creative in its approach, not just seeking to preserve the maritime economy, mitigate hazards, and foster environmental justice, but also envisions a more holistic and fulfilling existence for the surrounding people and wildlife. Explore the project here: https://bit.ly/3XERdq3 #ClimateWeekNYC #CoastalResilience #SustainableDevelopment #WeAreArup

In 2020, the Batavia Park District and the City of Batavia entered into an inter-governmental agreement to prepare a master plan for the Fox River Corridor. Hitchcock Design Group was engaged to prepare the plan for the purpose of evaluating options for removing the Batavia Dam, improving recreation, and addressing connectivity and access along the river. "Understanding water ecology is crucial in riverfront development, as we need to consider opportunities for the protection and enhancement of degraded natural ecosystems, creation of functional habitats that support diverse aquatic life, protection of shoreline from continued erosion, and improvement of the overall resilience of these waterfront landscapes. By embracing nature-based solutions and fostering a deep-rooted connection to the ecosystems that sustain us, we can future-proof our riverfronts against whatever challenges may come our way." - Lacey Lawrence, Principal #wlam2024 #water

Peatland restoration has become a key focus area for Zulu Ecosystems as peatlands play a massively important role in our terrestrial ecosystem dynamics – in Scotland and beyond. Restoring them blends science, landscape design and craftsmanship. While some land restoration projects may take years to achieve measurable outcomes, restoring peatlands rapidly unlocks benefits, such as increases in functional habitat, benefits for wildlife, improvements in water regulation and quality, as well as locking in carbon that would otherwise be lost. 🖼️ On the left: Pre-restoration An eroding peatland gully, where concentrated water flow is eating away at peat banks. Without intervention, the process cannot self-correct, leading to continued degradation and carbon loss. 🖼️  On the right: Post-restoration The gully transformed: re-profiled and re-turfed banks. Water flow has been managed using baffles, dams, and armoured channels to slow erosion, raise water tables, and stabilise the landscape, laying the groundwork for recovery. At Zulu Ecosystems, our goal is to create outcomes that respect natural processes, allowing nature to continue and consolidate the work. To achieve this, we work with skilled contractors, consultants, and specialists so that we can deliver results that are both impactful and immediate. Read more about our latest projects here: https://lnkd.in/eJk-WuGb #CNPA #PeatlandACTION #NetZero #Peatlands

Navigating the Intricacies of Conservation🌿 Our recent project at Warley Place Nature Reserve in Brentwood posed unique challenges, given the inherent richness of the area's biodiversity. 🦋 Working amidst protected plants 🌾 and animals 🦇 required a delicate balance between restoration efforts and environmental preservation. Adhering to strict ecological guidelines, the client, design and construction teams implemented measures to protect and respect the natural inhabitants of the reserve. 🌳 From very rare, protected plants to rare species of wildlife, every step was taken to ensure minimal disruption to their habitats. The synergy between repairing derelict garden walls and ecological preservation became evident as we carefully crafted solutions to minimise disruption to the surroundings. This delicate balance with nature reinforces our commitment to sustainable practices in every project we undertake. #conservationchallenges #biodiversity #WarleyPlace #environmentalresponsibility

🌿 Exciting Opportunity for Public Input! Joint Management Plans for Central Australia Reserves 🌿 Our planning team has been hard at work collaborating with Traditional Owners to craft draft joint management plans for two significant reserves in Central Australia: Mac Clark (Acacia peuce) Conservation Reserve and Kuyunba Conservation Reserve. 🌳 Mac Clark (Acacia peuce) Conservation Reserve: Nestled 294 kilometers south of Alice Springs, this remote reserve boasts the majestic Acacia peuce, a rare and striking tree native to the Australian arid zone. The draft plan, a result of extensive collaboration with Traditional Owners and park management, aims to protect this vulnerable species and its rich cultural landscape. 🏞️ Kuyunba Conservation Reserve: Located just a short drive southwest of Alice Springs, Kuyunba Conservation Reserve is a secluded haven steeped in cultural significance and ecological diversity. The draft joint management plan, developed in consultation with Traditional Owners and key stakeholders, seeks to preserve sacred sites, archaeological treasures, and vital habitats. 📝 How You Can Get Involved: We invite you to review the draft joint management plans and share your valuable insights. Visit https://vist.ly/w393 to access the documents or inspect physical copies at the Department of Environment, Parks, and Water Security in Alice Springs. Submit your written feedback by Monday, April 15, 2024, via email to parkplanning@nt.gov.au. Your input will play a crucial role in shaping the future management and conservation efforts of these remarkable reserves. Let's work together to safeguard our natural and cultural heritage for generations to come! #CentralAustralia #Conservation #CommunityEngagement #JointManagement #EnvironmentalProtection 🌏🌱

The Appalachian and surrounding regions are important target protection areas for NALT as they not only contain important areas for preservation, but also for ecological uplift in areas that have been altered by land use change. We are so grateful for all of our partners and landowners in Tennessee that make conserving over 18,000 acres possible! NALT is in its 32nd year of operation and has permanently preserved more than 138,000 acres of natural land in 24 states, mostly through permanent conservation easements. NALT partners with landowners, municipalities, the real estate community, and other groups to protect environmentally and culturally significant landscapes that otherwise may be lost to alternative uses. Once a property is under NALT’s permanent stewardship, our experienced team of conservation professionals regularly monitor the land to ensure the integrity and longevity of the conservation resource. Reach out today to learn more about our focus areas and our goal to conserve the stunning diversity in these areas: info@nalt.org or www.nalt.org for more information. #tennesseelandconservation #tennessee #landpreservation #conservation #naturepreserve #landtrust #landconservation #conservationeasements #landstewardship #stewardship #biodiversity #nature #wildlifeconservation #NALT #northamericanlandtrust