Water for Wildlife

Otter swimming in a river

Otter in a river - Luke Massey/2020VISION

Wider Countryside

Water for wildlife

Improving water quality and wildlife habitats

As part of our work across the three counties, we help landowners to improve river habitats. Healthier watercourses provide flood control for people and help wildlife. 

Restoring waterways can create a greater diversity of habitats for invertebrates and aquatic insects. It helps fish to move and spawn, which in turn provides more food for birds such as kingfishers. It can also reduce sediment levels and improve bankside plants. We use a variety of management techniques to improve rivers, including laying gravel, rebuilding and reprofiling banks, carrying out tree work, and installing cattle drinks.

The latest Water for Wildlife reports from Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire are available below.

Latest news and blog posts

Waterways surveys

We recently carried out several surveys to assess the populations of otters and water voles in Cambridgeshire waterways. A survey for signs of otters was conducted between December 2016 and February 2017. The survey covered all major watercourses in Cambridgeshire and many smaller ones as well to track the recovery of otters throughout Cambridgeshire, which has been a dramatic change over the years.

Anglian Water logo

Water for Wildlife is sponsored by Anglian Water