A PIONEERING project on the National Trust’s Holnicote Estate, based on the rivers Aller and Horner which transforms how local waterways are managed for water, wildlife and farming, has been awarded a prestigious silver Global Good Award.

A National Trust spokesperson said: “By restoring natural processes across the 12,000-acre estate, the National Trust has reconnected rivers to their floodplains, planted over 120,000 trees, created new wetlands and introduced keystone species such as beavers and 300 water voles.

“The project has cut flood peaks by 38 per cent while creating vibrant new habitats. It has become one of the most intensively monitored restoration projects in the country, and providing a model for nature recovery.”

The scheme is the first in the UK to utilise the innovative Stage Zero restoration technique developed in America which reconnects rivers to surrounding flood-plains.

The land now remains wetter for longer periods and makes the rivers become more resilient to extremes of weather and helps protect at least 100 homes from flooding.

Simon Larkins, National Trust general manager for Somerset coast and countryside, said: “This is a massive thank you to my team and all our partners and farmers who have worked to make it all possible.

“The work has included reintroducing Stage Zero river schemes and thousands of trees being planted and much, much more. The biggest winner is nature.

“Beyond ecological recovery, the programme has boosted climate resilience, supported regenerative agriculture and engaged thousands of people through volunteering, virtual tours and school programmes.”

The latest award is the latest in a string of accolades for Holnicote, including the 2025 UK River Prize and follows 13 years of involvement in land improvement schemes across 7,000 hectares of West Somerset.

The Global Good Awards celebrate organisations worldwide that are leading the way in sustainability and ethical leadership.