16th July 2025
Might one think that a ditch is just a wasted bit of land that collects water as and when it rains? Or might it, like the verge, be a potential green corridor benefitting wild life? Here is an example from Bedfordshire where a ditch was turned “into a complex wetland habitat.” (1) Or in southwest London where the work of previous generation, who canalised a local stream with the consequence that rainwater quickly flowed through causing downstream flooding, was overturned to create a vibrant biodiverse rich habitat. (2)
Rewilding ditches, streams and ponds not only improve biodiversity but help with flood prevention. (3)
- https://restorenature.com/turning-a-ditch-into-a-complex-wetland-habitat/
- https://www.southeastriverstrust.org/beverley-brook/
(3) https://assets.rewildingbritain.org.uk/documents/Rewilding_FloodReport_AUG2016_FINAL.pdf
The Green Tau 