How nature-based solutions can ease drought and flood pressure in the Weaver Gowy, unlocking £260 million in wider benefits.

How nature-based solutions are strengthening water resilience in the Weaver Gowy

Industries across the Weaver Gowy catchment in Cheshire, from chemical producers to food manufacturers, depend on abstraction. But that dependence is becoming a risk. Some water bodies face 70-95% reductions in abstraction by 2050, while the Environment Agency projects around 1,400 properties will be at risk of fluvial flooding by 2100.

Commissioned by Enterprise Cheshire & Warrington, Wild Natured led a catchment-scale feasibility programme to find where nature-based solutions (NbS) can make the biggest difference. We gathered the evidence, engaged 15 organisations through in-depth interviews, and working with Viridian Logic, used their HydroloGIS modelling to map drought and flood risk and pinpoint the top 20% of intervention sites.

The analysis shows that well-placed NbS could meet up to 20% of groundwater recharge needs and up to 23% of flood-storage requirements. Using the Wildlife Trust’s 1:10 cost-benefit ratio for natural flood management, this could mean wider economic benefits of around £260 million.

We also designed a blended-finance model, anchored by a mission-locked delivery body, to move NbS from concept to investable programme.

The next phase is building the business case for a dedicated nature investment vehicle and securing early commitments. If you want to help shape it, get in touch.