Work on the scheme in the Ullswater valley should start in spring. Photo: Bob Smith/grough

Lake District planners have given the green light to a project to reduce the risk of flooding in the Ullswater valley.

The scheme will also benefit wildlife in the area, the National Trust said.

Work on the £470,000 project is expected to begin in spring next year.

The plans, which were submitted by the conservation charity, were supported by the local parish council, the Eden Catchment Management Group, the Environment Agency, Natural England and Cumbria County Council. It involves National Trust tenant farmers.

A new channel will be created for Goldrill Beck to slow its flow and the embankment at Side Farm will be lowered so water will fill National Trust tenant fields at times of peak flow.

The trust says this will reduce the impact of heavy rainfall on infrastructure in the valley, including the main A592 road, and help to keep water back from communities further downstream.

Riverlands project manager Rebeccca Powell

The National Trust’s project manager Rebecca Powell said: “In the last 10 years the valley has suffered three major storms, including Storm Desmond in 2015.

“Experts tell us the flood peak could be significantly reduced if we can create a large area for storing water below Cow Bridge, in tenant fields, taking pressure off the road in times of flood.

“This is about helping the wider landscape to absorb the effects of the weather to improve flood resilience, water quality and wildlife habitats. Once work starts we hope the local community will carry on being involved through talks and volunteer days.

“Our next steps will be to appoint a contractor and to undertake some preliminary ground exploration work in preparation for work starting next spring.”

Anyone wanting to follow the progress of the project can visit the National Trust website.