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Have your say on the River Pant and Blackwater Restoration Plan

Public Consultation Now Open


The ESRT, along with partners Essex & Suffolk Water, the Environment Agency and the North Essex Farm Cluster are now seeking feedback for the first draft of the Pant and Blackwater Restoration Plan. Don't miss your chance to attend the upcoming webinar!


 

What Does the Restoration Plan Cover?


The restoration plan covers both the Pant and Blackwater (a single river with two names) from the headwaters to the confluence with the Chelmer—a total length of around 74km. The plan outlines a series of potential interventions and projects along the river. These act as a ‘wish-list’ for the catchment—ranging from simple, easily achievable improvements to large-scale, ambitious interventions, including whole river measures like invasive species control.

 

How Was the Plan Developed?


The plan is informed by data from the Environment Agency’s Water Framework Directive monitoring, as well as a fluvial audit study commissioned by the ESRT. The fluvial audit This combined in-depth field surveys, desk-based research, and feedback gathered from stakeholders during workshop events.

 

Why Is a Restoration Plan Needed?

There are three main reasons:


  1. Clarity for Stakeholders – The plan will help landowners and stakeholders understand the complex landscape of environmental improvements and available data.


  2. Joined-up Efforts – It promotes collaborative action across the catchment so that individuals and groups can combine forces to achieve ambitious, large-scale change.


  3. Support for Funding and Delivery – It provides a useful resource for funders and delivery organisations to identify where they can make the biggest impact, working in partnership with local groups and landowners

 

Challenges Facing the River


The Pant and Blackwater face multiple issues—including pollution, variable flows, and erosion—that are expected to worsen with climate change. The right interventions, in the right places, can significantly reduce these impacts while boosting biodiversity and improving river health.


The time to act is now! The restoration plan is a call to action for all who live along or care about the river, aiming to unite the community for a healthier, more resilient river.


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