The Landscaper reported last autumn on Wyevale Nurseries’ project to construct a reservoir at its Hereford site.
Here, managing director Andy Johnson updates us on progress.
Is the project completed? Have the hedgerow and aquatic water plants been embedded?
The reservoir is now fully operational and delivering on its primary purpose: flood alleviation. The existing hedgerow around the perimeter has been retained and is subject to a seasonal management plan in line with best practice for biodiversity—specifically timed outside of bird nesting seasons to avoid disturbance.
The full planting plan has not yet been completed as site earthworks continue. Its function is primarily hydrological rather than ecological, though we’re closely monitoring how nature responds.
What wildlife is expected to populate the reservoir and its surrounds?
We anticipate increased visibility of native species such as amphibians, insects, and birds – particularly those already present in the wider habitat, like wrens, robins, and possibly grass snakes.
However, as the reservoir continues to settle and we complete further development works on-site, we expect some of the more sensitive or elusive species to remain at a distance for now. Because the reservoir will be seasonally dry, it’s not intended to host aquatic life year-round but the wet/dry cycle does still create a microhabitat with potential ecological value.
On a similar attenuation pond on our main site, natural vegetation has developed in response to wet and dry cycles and this is now a nature hotspot with sitings including:
- Marsh Tit – regular
- Water Rail – regular when water present
- Willow Warbler
- Cettis Warbler
- Red Veined Darter – unusual dragonfly predominantly found in Southern England
- Black Redstart
- Blackcap
- Treecreeper
- Nuthatch
- Coal Tit
- Stock Dove
- Jay
- Sandpiper – very unusual for this environment
Snape have been reported on the site, and we expect it to develop along similar lines.
What is this site’s target for recycling water?
While this specific reservoir is not designed for direct irrigation use, we estimate that across both of our sites with reservoir infrastructure, we can reduce reliance on extracted groundwater by up to 35 % during peak growing months in favourable years. This contributes directly to our water resilience strategy and supports long-term sustainability planning.
What is the reservoir capacity, and is there a strategy for extended dry periods? Will you return to borehole abstraction?
This reservoir has a capacity of approximately 5,000 cubic meters. It’s designed as a flood management and contingency resource rather than a primary irrigation supply. This site blends borehole and 20% mains to hit target water quality for drip irrigation and managed under our existing abstraction licences. The infrastructure allows us to flex between sources, ensuring operational continuity while minimising environmental impact.
Will water drain into the reservoir from surrounding fields and are treatment systems in place to ensure water quality?
Unless specifically called upon for irrigation in the future, this reservoir will maintain a seasonal wetland area benefitting the ecosystem of marginal and flood tolerant species and associated fauna, with some natural and controlled soakaway passing through the strata to groundwater. Irrigation needs could be met from our main site where recycled water is treated for quality.
Are there benefits to your plant and tree stock from using reservoir water instead of mains supply?
On this tree production site, we blend water sources borehole/mains and recirculation to ensure correct water parameters for drip irrigation of trees grown in peat-free substrates.
What are the financial savings of relying less on mains water?
The broader value of the reservoir is in cost avoidance, particularly around flood mitigation, which protects both operational infrastructure and crops during extreme weather and possibly for our neighbours around us too.
The cash saving is difficult to calculate but factoring in reduced environmental risk, less reliance on paid abstraction, and long-term water security, we consider this is an important aspect of our water sustainability strategy.
Are customers and clients becoming more concerned that nurseries become sustainable in terms of water management?
Absolutely.
Water use is fast becoming a defining issue in our industry, from large commercial landscapers to local authorities.
Clients want assurance that the stock they purchase has been grown responsibly and with future climate resilience in mind.
At Wyevale Nurseries, we’re not only investing in water infrastructure but also on other projects on our sites that remain committed to sustainability and we love sharing our learnings with customers.
The reservoirs are a clear signal of intent and a practical step toward safeguarding both our business and the wider environment.