Hull’s Dynamic Drains
Transforming Hull’s drains and watercourses into greener, healthier places for people and wildlife.
Image: Community mural designed with local schoolchildren as part of the Hull’s Dynamic Drains project, celebrating wildlife, water and local waterways (Source: Yorkshire Wildlife Trust).
Who we are
Hull’s Dynamic Drains is helping to transform the city’s drains and watercourses into greener, healthier places for people and wildlife.
The project is improving habitats, creating new community spaces and helping people learn more about Hull’s unique relationship with water. At the same time, it is supporting the city’s long-term approach to managing flood risk and building resilience to climate change.
Hull’s Dynamic Drains is led by Environment Agency and delivered in partnership with Hull City Council , Groundwork Yorkshire and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust .
What are Hull’s drains?
Hull’s drains are a vital part of the city’s drainage network. They help move and store water across Hull, reducing flood risk and helping communities adapt to climate change.
Many of these watercourses also provide valuable habitats for wildlife and opportunities to create attractive green spaces for local communities. Hull’s Dynamic Drains is helping people reconnect with these often-hidden features of the city’s landscape while improving them for future generations.
What the project is delivering
Reduce flood risk
Improve climate resilience and help communities manage water.
Create wildlife habitats
Support birds, insects, amphibians and other wildlife.
Improve green spaces
Make local watercourses and surrounding spaces greener and more welcoming.
Celebrate water heritage
Explore Hull’s unique history and relationship with water.
Bring communities together
Create opportunities for learning, involvement and local action.
Connect people with nature
Encourage people to enjoy, explore and care for local nature.
Creating greener, healthier places
Flood resilience
Working with natural processes and greener infrastructure to help manage water and reduce flood risk.
Wildlife
Creating better habitats for birds, insects, amphibians and other wildlife along Hull’s waterways.
Green spaces
Turning underused spaces around drains into greener places for walking, relaxing and enjoying nature.
Water heritage
Celebrating the history of Hull’s drainage network and its role in shaping the city and surrounding landscape.
Communities
Supporting communities to become involved in improving and caring for their local waterways and green spaces.
Local nature
Connecting people with local wildlife and creating opportunities to learn about and experience nature close to home.
Project highlights
Since the project began, it has delivered:
Improvements across the city
So far, the project has delivered a range of improvements, including:
Pocket parks
Pocket parks with seating, planting and native trees.
Fishing platforms
Fishing platforms.
Wildlife enhancements
Wildlife enhancements, such as bird boxes and otter holts.
Community art projects
Community art projects with schools and local residents.
Walking trails
Walking trails along the Beverley and Barmston Drain and Holderness Drain.
School projects
School projects including rain gardens and wetland habitats.
Flood management schemes
Flood management schemes that support both people and nature.
Many of these improvements have been designed to deliver multiple benefits by reducing flood risk, enhancing wildlife habitats and creating attractive spaces for local communities.
Why it matters
Hull is one of the UK’s most flood-prone cities and water has shaped its history for centuries.
Looking after our drains and watercourses helps manage flood risk while creating greener neighbourhoods, supporting biodiversity and improving people’s connection to the natural environment.
Explore Hull’s Dynamic Drains
Explore the history, wildlife, communities and waterways that make Hull’s Dynamic Drains unique.
Hull’s Water Heritage
Discover Hull’s drainage history and explore the important role water has played in shaping the city.
Explore water heritage →Nature & Wildlife
Discover wildlife, habitats and the improvements being made for nature along Hull’s drains and watercourses.
Explore nature & wildlife →Community Spaces & Learning
Find out about community spaces, school projects, learning opportunities and activities across Hull.
Explore community spaces →Beverley & Barmston Drain
Explore the history, landscape and importance of the Beverley and Barmston Drain.
Explore Beverley & Barmston →Holderness Drain
Discover Holderness Drain, its history and its role within Hull’s wider drainage and natural environment.
Explore Holderness Drain →Resources
Find downloadable trails, educational materials and useful resources to help you explore Hull’s waterways.
View resources →Get Involved
Find out how you can get involved with Hull’s Dynamic Drains and support cleaner, greener and more resilient neighbourhoods.
Get involved →Get involved
Whether you’re interested in local history, wildlife, walking routes or volunteering opportunities, there are many ways to get involved with Hull’s Dynamic Drains and help create cleaner, greener and more resilient neighbourhoods for the future.
Contact usProject Partners
Hull’s Dynamic Drains is led by the Environment Agency and delivered in partnership with Hull City Council , Groundwork Yorkshire and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust .
