With the Wensum being of great biological importance, there is a large amount of research being done to help bring it back to full health.

One strategy to support chalk streams is to employ nature-based solutions (NbS) to increase water availability, improve groundwater recharge and enhance river baseflows.

Nature based solutions are actions that protect, restore, and sustainably manage ecosystems to address societal challenges while benefiting both people and biodiversity. Examples include wetland restoration to improve water retention, agroforestry and increased soil health for the purpose of resilience and storage.

With a grant from Water Resources East and working alongside Norfolk FWAG, Wensum Farmers are undertaking an exciting scoping project across our holdings to assess the potential for the introduction of various NbS measures. The aim being to slow the flow, hold water and recharge the underground aquafer.

The project begins this Spring (2026) and will run until the end of this year.

Check back for project updates.