Somerset Council

Wetlands for nature and reducing nutrients

The design of the new wetlands project next to the Shapwick Nature Reserve.

Wessex Water is teaming up with the Hawk and Owl Trust, Natural England and the Environment Agency on a £5 million construction project to transform 25 hectares of land near Shapwick into a new integrated wetland and grassland site.

The wetland aims to reduce the concentration and impact of nutrients in agricultural run-off using natural physical, chemical and biological processes to treat and improve water quality.

It’ll also provide a haven for wildlife and connect to the existing Hawk and Owl Trust Nature Reserve, as well as providing additional protection for peatland restoration sites within Shapwick National Nature Reserve.

The proposals have now been submitted to us for review as the Local Planning Authority and, if successful, the 6-month construction project would get under way in the summer of 2026.

Find out more about the proposals on Wessex Water’s Somerset Levels and Moors wetland page.