Project details

This project will restore 2 km of river, Cole Bank Park & other greenspaces and streams. By restoring channels, reintroducing native species and creating new habitats, we’ll bring the river back to life. Boosting biodiversity, building climate resilience and improving the health of the river for future generations.

But it’s not just about nature. By restoring green spaces, creating safer, more inviting pathways and increasing floodplain capacity, we’re investing in people too, giving local residents a healthier environment, a space to breathe and a stronger connection to the natural world right on their doorstep.

Project objectives:
• 4 hectares of woodland & scrub management. Historic plantation woodland has become overgrown and dark, with limited diversity. Management will open up areas allowing wildflowers to grow, and tree seedlings to flourish.
• 2km river restoration creating a more natural river channel & environment with wood and berms, as seen in the pictures.
• Pathway management along the river and in Cole Bank Park
• 0.5 hectares of wetland restoration, with the possibility of creating a boardwalk allowing visitors to get closer to the wetland

This is more than restoration. It’s the next chapter in the River Cole Vision, launched in 2019, a bold step toward a wilder, greener and more resilient future.

The project will be delivered by the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, in partnership with Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council.

Scheme / Programme

This project sits within the wider Love Your River Cole Scheme, part of the Tame Valley Wetlands Nature Improvement Area. Which seeks to create a thriving, landscape-scale nature haven along the River Cole, stretching from Birmingham, through Solihull and into North Warwickshire. By restoring and enhancing a rich mosaic of semi-natural habitats, it will breathe new life into the river corridor.

Scale

The scale of this project is 16.55 hectares.

Project delivery timeline

The project can begin immediately, once funding is secured. Work will take up to 12 months, aligned with seasonal restrictions.

Community involvement

Community involvement has driven the Love Your River Cole Project for over five years, with strong local engagement. Consultation has included letters, face to face sessions and information sharing. As delivery begins, residents will be invited to watch the transformation and volunteer hands on. When complete, we will celebrate together, welcoming people back to enjoy a healthier river, improved habitats and shared pride in a greener legacy.

Community Focussed Objectives:
• 8 Community engagement events including river clean up sessions, nature trails and adventure days to learn about the local wildlife and training for citizen science to help monitor river health.
• 2 River Celebration event days where numerous activities will take place delivered by both the Wildlife Trust and other organisations.
• 12 Volunteering sessions for people to join us and take part in practical habitat conservation and have a direct impact on improving their local greenspaces