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Creating a thriving wetland
at Holkham

  • Expanding one of the UK’s most important nature reserves

Expanding Holkham’s wetlands for wildlife

Our team was appointed to project-manage the Wetland Creation Project at Quarles Marsh, Norfolk, an ambitious scheme to add over 200 acres of wetland between Wells-next-the-Sea and Lady Anne’s Drive at Holkham. Designed to encourage rare wildfowl and wading birds, the project enhances the already internationally significant Holkham National Nature Reserve, a vital sanctuary for wintering species such as pink-footed geese and wigeon.

Engineering water management for habitat restoration

A key part of the project involved installing new water control sluices and a large underground pipe to transfer fresh water from Bones Marsh, allowing controlled flooding of Quarles Marsh. The careful management of water levels was further refined by damming selected ditches and re-profiling 5.5 miles of existing water channels, ensuring water was evenly distributed across the landscape.

A landscape shaped for wildlife

Stretching from Burnham Overy Staithe to Blakeney, the Holkham reserve is one of the UK’s most extensive nature reserves, home to a mosaic of salt and freshwater marshes, sand dunes, pine woodlands, and grazing pastures. The newly created wetland blends seamlessly into this landscape, offering a safe haven for avocets, terns, shovelers, and marsh harriers.

A new habitat, a new future

With the new wetland now fully established, birdlife has flocked to the area, further strengthening Holkham’s reputation as a world-class nature reserve. By enhancing and expanding this delicate ecosystem, we are helping to ensure that future generations can continue to witness the incredible biodiversity of Norfolk’s coastline.

Key takeaways

  • With 200 acres of new wetland, Holkham is now an even greater haven for rare wildfowl and waders.

  • Fresh water is now flowing through 5.5 miles of re-profiled ditches, creating the perfect conditions for wildlife to thrive.

  • Avocets, terns, shovelers, and marsh harriers are already making the newly created wetlands their home.
More Case Studies

Precision drainage for challenging fenland

Aerial view of a large-scale agricultural land drainage project in the Fens, showing heavy clay

Restoring peat - rewinding wetlands

Newly installed drainage system visible as water flows across the fenland farm, demonstrating effective water

Expanding Holkham’s wetlands for wildlife​

Excavator working on a fenland farm, installing drainage systems to improve land conditions and ensure
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