Stream 'rewiggle' project wins UK nature prize

Common sandpipers have nested at Howgill Beck for the first time

A wetland restoration project which reintroduced bends and curves to a stream has won a UK nature prize.

Howgill Beck at RSPB Geltsdale, near Brampton, Cumbria, was straightened before the 18th Century but a recent scheme had it "rewiggled", which involved connecting floodplains and blocking ditches.

The improved wetlands have seen the return of redshank and oystercatchers, while common sandpipers have nested at the site for the first time, the charity said.

RSPB warden Jen Selvidge, who led the project, said the team "couldn't be prouder" to win the UK River Prize held by the River Restoration Centre (RRC).

Entries for the awards - which also involved a catchment-scale accolade won by the Holnicote Estate Project in Somerset, were judged by experts on Tuesday.

Howgill Beck flows through part of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Beauty and Geltsdale, which is a designated conservation area.

Natural bends were added to the beck so it could spill on to a floodplain when required.

The project has reconnected the watercourse to its floodplain which has "created a more dynamic river", the RSPB says

Last year, five pairs of redshank breeding at the site and two pairs of oystercatchers successfully nested for the first time since 2016.

The RSPB said in January that nearby Tindale Tarn became "completely frozen" but the wetlands at the beck were able to support bird species including snipe, teal and mallard.

In 2022 and 2023, two common sandpipers nested in the area - a common visitor to UK upland areas - but previously had been "totally absent" from Howgill Beck, the RSPB said.

Lapwing, curlew, snipe and dipper have also been recorded regularly on the wetlands.

Curlews, which have distinctive beaks, have been recorded at the site

Ms Selvidge said it was "wonderful to see species like the sandpipers" at the site.

"I am absolutely delighted with this win, and its great recognition for the whole team involved in this project.

"Howgill Beck's restoration means the watercourse and the wildlife it supports will benefit the diversity here in this hidden corner of Cumbria," she added.