The NORTH West Wildlife Trusts comprising Cheshire Wildlife Trust, Lancashire Wildlife Trust, and Cumbria Wildlife Trust have worked together to submit a response to the proposed water resources management plan – a new strategy which will be launched in 2020 for water companies to follow.

The Wildlife Trusts have worked closely with water companies for a number of years to encourage best practice for effective water management. This has included working in partnership on a number of projects in the region.

“The facts speak for themselves,” said Martin Varley, director of conservation, Cheshire Trust Wildlife.

“Ninety per cent of wetlands have been lost in the last 100 years and only 20% of water bodies are classed as being in good ecological condition.

"There’s never been a more important time for us to act to improve water habitats, usage and quality for the benefit of people and wildlife.”

Cheshire Wildlife Trust works with the company to manage land at Trentabank reservoir and is also working in partnership with United Utilities on a couple of landscape projects. “This ensures that wildlife is kept in mind while fulfilling people’s water needs,” added Martin.

“One of these is aimed at reducing water pollution and involves monitoring key pollutants, investigating incidents of pollution above critical limits, and advising farmers on ways to reduce risks of pollution.

"A small grants scheme has helped farmers implement capital projects to help reduce pollution."

United Utilities is a partner alongside Cheshire Wildlife Trust in a five-year natural flood management project in the Peak District to reduce the impact of flooding in Cheshire.

It is also involved in working with householders and businesses on the Wirral to promote pollution prevention which Cheshire Wildlife Trust hosts and in United Utilities partners.