A planning application to create important new habitat for birds on the Tees Estuary has been submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council by the Environment Agency.

Members of the public are being offered a unique glimpse of one of Cornwall’s most important wetlands during a special open day on the Camel Estuary next week.

Ellie is at Knepp Castle Estate near West Grinstead learning how ones man’s passion for ecology is changing the face of the local landscape. She discovers how the unusual ‘re-wilding’ project is also improving the condition of the River Adur. Ellie also learns that restoring the natural meanders will greatly improve local wildlife habitats whilst helping reduce the wider risk of flooding.

Contractors have been working near Heeley Bridge, removing one of the weirs and constructing a channel to make it easier for fish to navigate up the river in low flows.

Salmon and other fish can swim the full length of the River Severn, thanks to a project to open up the river. The Environment Agency opened up the final 15km (nine miles) stretch by removing weirs and building a fish pass at Felindre Mill, near Llanidloes.