One of the largest river restoration projects in the UK has been completed in north Northumberland.

The River Breamish at Harehope Estate, south of Wooler, was historically modified and straightened centuries ago for agricultural purposes.

It is estimated that around one mile of river channel was lost.

This created a river disconnected from its floodplain leading to a decline in freshwater species, reduced biodiversity and an increased risk of flooding downstream. The Breamish channel is now officially classed as in ‘unfavourable condition’.