PANT & BLACKWATER RESTORATION PLAN
The Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust (ESRT), with support from our partners Essex and Suffolk Water, the Environment Agency and the North Essex Farm Cluster, has completed a large-scale restoration project plan for the River Pant and Blackwater (a single river that changes name along its course).
The project took place in two main stages. In 2024, a fluvial audit (a detailed river survey) was carried out, with the final audit report published in late autumn. This informed the development of a comprehensive restoration plan for the river system, which was produced by ESRT in spring 2025.
The River Pant & Blackwater Restoration Plan: A draft version of the restoration plan was published in April 2025 and opened for public feedback. We have now reviewed all responses and used them to refine the plan. The final River Pant & Blackwater Restoration Plan is now available to read.
You can also explore the potential opportunities for interventions on the Pant and Blackwater via the interactive map.
Please note: A technical error means that some hyperlinks in the plan are not working. We are aware of this issue and looking for a solution to this as soon as possible. The plan can still be read while this is being fixed.
Share your thoughts: Although the plan is now finalised, we still welcome comments or reflections on the process. We're also interested in hearing from landowners or organisations interested in taking forward any project recommendations made in the report. Please contact info@essexsuffolkriverstrust.org.
Why target the Blackwater and Pant?
In 2023, Essex County Council and the Essex River Hub catchment partnership identified the Blackwater as a priority catchment for the county for both restoration and for climate change action. The river is in a moderate condition under the Environment Agency's Water Directive Framework. As well as being heavily modified, the River Pant has scored poorly for biological factors. The Blackwater Estuary that the waters of this river flow into is a very important site, designated as a RAMSAR site, SSSI, SPA, NNR and MCZ.
What areas are covered?
The fluvial audit and restoration plan covers the entire non-tidal and non-canalised length of the River Pant and Blackwater, from the river’s headwaters at Wimbish to its confluence with the River Chelmer at Beeleigh. This stretch includes over 20 parish councils spanning from Sewards End to Langford as well as three district councils (Uttlesford, Braintree and Maldon) and one town council (Witham).
Who was involved?
The Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust delivered this project in collaboration with key partners: the Environment Agency, Essex and Suffolk Water, and the North Essex Farm Cluster. The fluvial audit was carried out by JBA Consulting. This work has also helped strengthen partnerships across the catchment, involving members of the North Essex Farm Cluster, statutory agencies, private landowners, farmers, local environmental action groups, other eNGOs, and local businesses. It provides a shared foundation for future collaboration.
What happens next?
Before this project, river restoration work in the catchment tended to be opportunistic and uncoordinated. The completed fluvial audit and resulting restoration plan now provide a clear, evidence-led framework identifying priority sites and issues. This will help NGOs and statutory bodies better coordinate their efforts and attract funding for more ambitious, strategic projects. The plan marks a major step forward in securing the long-term health and resilience of the River Pant and Blackwater.
With the plan now in place, the next phase is to turn recommendations into action. ESRT and its partners will continue to engage with landowners and stakeholders to develop and deliver targeted restoration projects across the catchment. The plan will also support future funding bids and collaborative work to improve biodiversity, water quality, and natural river processes throughout the River Pant and Blackwater system.
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