A new wetlands scheme has been approved for Wessex Water that will improve water quality and habitats west of Durleigh Water Treatment Works and Reservoir.

Wessex Water will build two sedimentation wetlands upstream of the reservoir that will capture silt and coarse sediment, as well as helping to reduce levels of nutrients reaching the watercourse.

These wetlands will further the work carried out by our catchment delivery team and farmers to reduce pesticides and silt that flow down to the reservoir.

There are more than 7km of buffer strips installed on farm fields next to the streams and ditches. Footpath access will be maintained by the installation of two new footbridges.

Wessex Water project manager Sam Richards said: “Creating diverse wetlands will not only improve water quality in the catchment but bring significant benefits to wildlife, especially amphibians and dragonflies as well as wildflowers.”

Councillors approved the Durleigh wetlands scheme subject to pre-start conditions, with work due to begin this summer. The planning application can be viewed in full on the Sedgemoor District Council website.