TWO fields are set to be transformed into a lowland meadow and woodland under a scheme that aims to boost biodiversity next to Durleigh Reservoir.

Wessex Water has been granted permission to move forward with its project on land to the west of the treatment centre and reservoir, near Bridgwater, which began in 2020 with the creation of two wetland habitats.

The wetlands were designed to filter silt and coarse sediment and reduce levels of nutrients, improving the quality of the water entering the reservoir and boosting biodiversity by giving a home to an array of wildlife.

The next phase will see the creation of the new habitats, which will be accessible to the public via an existing footpath.

Bridgwater Mercury: The Wessex Water project aims to boost biodiversity on land to the west of the reservoir.The Wessex Water project aims to boost biodiversity on land to the west of the reservoir. (Image: Wessex Water)

A Wessex Water spokesperson said: “This approval allows us to move forward with a project to create more than 1.5 hectares of lowland meadow and plant more than 4.5 hectares of woodland, boosting biodiversity on land west of Durleigh Reservoir.

“By carrying out landscaping work on two arable fields, the scheme aims to create a wide range of habitats which will mimic features of ancient woodlands and also include species-rich grasslands and other features including permanent and seasonal ponds.

“This six-week project was positively received during the planning process and is expected to start in January.

“When complete, the site will be accessible via the existing public footpath network.

“This work complements the previous wetlands project at Durleigh, which aimed to improve local biodiversity and the quality of water entering the reservoir and £50 million recently-refurbished treatment works, which supplies drinking water to more than 44,000 people in the area.’’

Wessex Water's planning application was approved by Somerset Council on Wednesday, October 11. 

The Durleigh scheme is one of the water company's WINEP (Water Industry Natural Environment Programme) projects, overseen by water industry regulators such as the Environment Agency, Defra and Ofwat.