Helping Nature Thrive
Hull’s Dynamic Drains is improving watercourses and creating healthier habitats for wildlife across the city.
Helping nature thrive
Hull’s Dynamic Drains is improving watercourses and creating healthier habitats for wildlife across the city.
By enhancing drains and surrounding green spaces, the project is helping plants, insects, birds and other wildlife thrive while helping manage water in a more sustainable way.
Restoring habitats
Over time, some of Hull’s watercourses were enclosed, disconnected from surrounding green spaces or lost from view.
Where possible, the project is helping restore more natural environments by improving wetlands, planting native trees and wildflowers, and creating spaces where wildlife can flourish.
Image: View of Beverley and Barmston Drain next to a new pocket park, demonstrating how Hull’s Dynamic Drains project is creating greener spaces for people and nature. (Source: Groundwork)
Working with nature
Natural habitats can help slow the movement of water, increase storage and reduce pressure on drainage systems during periods of heavy rainfall.
Creating wetlands, restoring open watercourses and establishing vegetation can improve flood resilience while delivering benefits for biodiversity and the wider environment.
These natural approaches work alongside traditional flood management measures to help Hull adapt to future challenges.
Healthier habitats can support flood resilience
Wetlands, vegetation and open watercourses can provide valuable space for water while creating habitats for plants and wildlife.
Supporting local wildlife
The project has delivered a range of improvements to support wildlife and create greener corridors across the city.
Native planting
Planting native trees, shrubs and wildflowers to provide food and shelter for wildlife.
Wetland habitats
Creating and enhancing wetland habitats alongside Hull’s drains and watercourses.
Wildlife homes
Installing bird boxes and otter holts to provide valuable places for wildlife.
Managing invasive species
Managing invasive species to help native plants and habitats recover.
Drain habitats
Improving habitats along drains and watercourses for wildlife and people.
Together, these improvements are creating greener corridors that allow both wildlife and water to move more effectively through the city.
Benefits for people and nature
Greener spaces support more than wildlife.
They also create attractive places for people to enjoy nature, improve local environments and help communities understand the connection between water, biodiversity and flood resilience.
Project 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 .