Our Land
The River Trent Watershed And Its Communities.
We are inspiring people to create deeper relationships with the natural world. To do this meaningfully, people need to relate to the particular landscape in which they live. It is when this bond is nurtured that the natural world truly matters and becomes part of how you see yourself.
This kinship is the basis for how any group lives not only sustainably, but by renewing the health of the landscape, they take on a regenerative approach to the Land.
Watersheds are landscapes in which water is captured from rainfall and travels through towns, villages, forests and heathlands to join streams until eventually becoming part of the river and meeting with the sea.
In this way, people are able to relate to the natural world at a scale that means they can not only understand that ecosystem but also affect the health of it and all of the species that live within it.
The River
The River Trent, flowing over 185 miles from Staffordshire to the Humber estuary, meanders through England’s central landscapes and hosts diverse habitats along its banks. In its upper reaches, clear waters run through upland meadows and woodlands, home to trout, herons, and ancient watermills once used by local communities.
As the river widens through the Midlands, its floodplains and wetlands support an array of wildlife, including otters, water voles, and migratory birds. Traditional skills such as reed-cutting, basket weaving, and fishing have long been part of life along these stretches, with communities adapting to the river’s changing rhythms and seasonal flooding.
Downstream, the Trent passes through more industrial areas, yet efforts to conserve its natural and cultural heritage remain strong. The river’s shifting nature—from rural idyll to industrial artery—reflects its varied ecosystems and enduring influence on regional identity, connecting communities, wildlife, and traditions throughout its course.
The Watershed
The River Trent’s watershed spans 4,000 square miles across central England, encompassing diverse habitats that sustain varied ecologies. From its headwaters in the Staffordshire hills, the Trent flows through upland moors, woodland-lined banks, rich agricultural lands, and extensive wetlands before joining the Humber estuary. Key tributaries, including the Tame, Dove, Soar, and Derwent rivers, bring waters from across this expansive watershed, supporting a complex ecosystem. Habitats range from moorland homes to upland birds to lowland floodplains that foster species like otters, water voles, and migratory birds.
The watershed faces environmental challenges from agricultural runoff, urban development, and industrial legacy, which have impacted water quality and habitat health. However, recent conservation efforts focus on restoring wetlands, enhancing biodiversity, and reducing pollution, aiming to improve the river’s ecological balance. This vast and dynamic watershed remains vital, supporting rich biodiversity and the communities that depend on its health.
