The Humber estuary on England’s east coast is an important site for wintering, migratory and breeding birds, grey seals and lamprey, as well as a significant fin-fish nursery servicing the North Sea. Intensive agriculture and hard engineering for flood management have, however, contributed to habitat fragmentation and connectivity loss.

In the face of increasing challenges including rising sea levels, vulnerability of farmland and increasing conflict between the needs of industry and wildlife, this project will explore new land-use options. These include the transition of large areas of defended and intensively farmed land to a wilder landscape.

With funding from the ELP, the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust will facilitate feasibility studies and discussions with key stakeholders.