Our mission
River Allen Landscape Recovery is a collaborative project funded by DEFRA’s Landscape Recovery pilot scheme. Led by the River Allen CIC, a unique organisation set up by a group of committed landowners on the Allen, it brings together a partnership of 19 land managers and farmers who will work together to revitalise this precious river
Our objective is simple: Over the next two years, we will work with landowners, farmers, and key stakeholders to design a comprehensive plan for restoring the River Allen. In 2026, we will submit our plans to DEFRA in order to apply for 20 years of ELMS funding to make the project a reality on the ground.
What we’re doing
Restoring Habitats
By expanding fragments of wildlife habitat and connecting them via nature-rich corridors, we’ll create a continuous arc of natural habitat along the entire river.
The River Allen already benefits from areas of good habitat, we want to work with landowners to improve conditions along the river. A network of new wildflower meadows, chalk grassland, wet woodland, and floodplain wetlands will work alongside agriculture and other land uses to create a dynamic mosaic of different habitats.
Reviving Biodiversity
Chalk streams are a rare and precious ecosystem, home to a fascinating array of animals and plants. By improving habitat and restoring lost species, we will support thriving biodiversity in the River Allen.
The project will carry out targeted actions to support struggling species: we’re eradicating mink (an invasive predator) to help native water voles recover, and investigating how to return the missing white-clawed crayfish to the River Allen. The River Allen is already an important spawning ground for trout and salmon, and we plan to make it even better by creating more in-channel habitat and designating the Allen as a wild river free from stocking. By creating more suitable habitat for these rare species, we’ll also support increased abundance of a vast array of birds, mammals, insects, amphibians, reptiles, plants, and more.
Naturalising Hydrology
Like most of Britain’s rivers, the Allen has been artificially modified over centuries. Many sections have been straightened, dredged, and disconnected from the floodplain, suppressing the river’s natural hydrology.
To address this, our aim is to carry out a fluvial geomorphology survey to identify opportunities to restore the river to its original course, reconnect it with its floodplain, and restore natural hydrological processes and function. Carefully designed river restoration can have multiple benefits: by slowing the flow and storing more water on the land, it can mitigate drought and flooding downstream, as well as restoring vital, complex habitats for freshwater species and insects.
Improving Water Quality
Good water quality is fundamental to healthy freshwater ecosystems. We aim to identify sources of pollution to ensure pure water for people and wildlife.
Continuous water monitoring at 20 sites along the river’s course will allow us to identify hotspots for pollution and address the root causes. Working closely with farmers and land managers, we aim to create buffer zones where needed to absorb agricultural run-off and address point source pollution from septic tanks and roads.
Supporting Education
The River Allen plays a key role in the lives of local communities, providing drinking water and supporting numerous local businesses including farmers, anglers, and more.
Our project will work closely with community representatives to create new opportunities to engage with the river’s rich natural and cultural heritage. The landscape of the River Allen has been shaped by human activity for thousands of years, resulting in an fascinating array of historical sites – from Neolithic burial mounds to water mills to spectacular historic houses and gardens. A new visitor centre situated on the banks of the Allen will explore the river’s past, present and future, educating visitors about how the landscape has changed over time.
How we’re doing it
Baseline Surveys
A crucial first step in planning any restoration work is understanding what is already there. That’s why we’re working with experienced ecologists, hydrologists, and archaeologists to create a detailed baseline map of the project area. This vital information will help to design the best approach for restoring and enhancing habitats along the river.
Working with land managers
The River Allen is stewarded by a diverse group of land managers, including farmers, landowners, anglers, and small businesses. We’ll be working closely with each of them to create a restoration plan that delivers beneficial outcomes for their livelihoods as well as for nature.
Partnering with businesses
We’re developing partnerships with a range of different companies and businesses operating in the area. Leveraging new models of green finance including biodiversity and carbon credits will be an important part of our business model, ensuring that the project is financially viable for the long-term.
Our Team
Bronwen Fraser
Project Manager
Bronwen has a background in Geography from the University of Cambridge and has worked in project management across a range of environmental initiatives, including sustainable supply chains for multinational food companies and an upland river restoration project in northeast Perthshire. Originally from Northumberland, she is committed to restoring rivers in all their forms, including the rare chalk stream of the River Allen.
Sadie Potter
Ecology Officer
Sadie graduated from Southampton University and brings extensive expertise after previous experience working with the Ministry of Defence, she has a deep understanding of chalk grasslands and woodlands. Sadie’s role involves overseeing the ecological side of the project, developing conservation strategies, and ensuring that the environment thrives under careful and informed management.
Jonathan Cornish
Project Administrator
Jonathan brings over a decade of experience in detailed administration and accounts, coupled with a solid background in technology. As Project Administrator, he tracks finances and budgets, arranges file and data sharing, and assists with other aspects of the CIC management. His role encompasses the administrative tasks that support the smooth running of the recovery project, ensuring that all ‘behind-the-scenes’ elements are taken care of.
The River Allen CIC
Board of Directors
At the River Allen CIC we are working closely with land managers, the local community, and private companies to establish an exemplary site for nature restoration. Our Board of Directors also reflect this community, providing strategic guidance from local landowners Nick Shaftesbury (Chair) and Sophie Alexander and locally-based business person Mary Rochester Gearing.
In partnership with
