‘FLOATING habitats’ are being introduced on the River Weaver in Northwich in a bid to help encourage more wildlife on the river banks and improve water quality.

The Environment Agency, Groundwork Cheshire, Lancashire and Merseyside, and volunteers of Love my River Northwich are responsible for the floating habitats that are now cropping up along the river banks.

The project is the fourth outcome of the overall scheme which aims to raise awareness and improve water quality by addressing the lack of wildlife habitat along some of the most heavily engineered sections of the River Weaver Navigation.

Nigel Glasgow, Environment Agency manager for Cheshire, said: “Through this and other projects we have seen a dramatic improvement to water quality in the area in the last decade.

“This has all been achieved by working in partnership to deliver ‘Love My River’. This latest addition to improve water quality and benefit wildlife will see an increase in bankside vegetation.

“By doing this there will be extra provision for pollinators, cover for birds whether nesting or roosting and underwater habitat for fish.

“The habitats will also improve the riverbank appearance and the potential for the river to maintain a higher stock of coarse fish, benefitting anglers.”

These and other planned projects aim to tackle issues around domestic and urban sources of pollution in the River Weaver, River Dane and their tributaries through Northwich.

Environment Agency staff respond to pollution incidents 24/7 to contain pollution and protect water quality.

To report an environmental call 0800 80 70 60.