Ock: A Targeted Approach

Catchment Project Habitat Project

We are working in the Ock catchment to protect and enhance freshwater biodiversity, reduce pollution and increase climate resilience.

This project is working within identified Important Freshwater Areas of the Ock catchment, taking a targeted approach within these biodiversity hotspots to deliver the best gains for biodiversity and ensuring we protect and build out from the best.

Through the project, we will develop proposals and subject to funding, deliver habitat creation and restoration across up to 14 sites, including restoration of headwater streams, fens and ponds as well as pond creation.

1 Primary objective

Restore biodiversity through the creation and restoration of wetland habitats, including rivers, streams and headwater networks, as well as fens, ponds and floodplain wetland mosaics.

2 Secondary objectives

Reduce flood risk through the implementation of Natural Flood Management features.

Reduce diffuse pollution from agriculture and urban areas.

About the Ock catchment

The Ock catchment is part of the Oxfordshire Important Freshwater Landscape, one of the richest places in England and Wales for freshwater biodiversity.

Although impacted by habitat loss, pollution and invasive non-native species, the catchment presents a fantastic opportunity to showcase how we can restore the freshwater environment in an agricultural setting.

This project is part of our going work as catchment hosts of the Ock Catchment Partnership, working in partnership to deliver the Ock catchment plan.