We were thrilled to be invited to contribute to the bidding process for what was initially referred to as the North West Norfolk Coast Project, now known as The Wash Landscape Partnership. This ambitious initiative encompasses an 11,123-hectare area characterised by diverse habitat types, ranging from upland calcareous grasslands to estuarine and marine ecosystems near The Wash in Norfolk. As a Round 2 Landscape Recovery bid, this project addresses the critical challenges posed by centuries of human modification and the advancing threats of climate change and sea-level rise. The maps produced by Digg & Co. played an instrumental role in emphasising the scope and potential of this landscape, setting the stage for transformative habitat restoration and reconnection efforts.

The Wash Landscape Partnership represents an extraordinary opportunity for large-scale ecological recovery. Among its most notable highlights are the re-establishment of estuarine salt marshes, the restoration of flood marshes, and the significant reconnection of rivers to their estuarine habitats. These efforts aim to rejuvenate a landscape of immense ecological value, foster resilience against the impacts of climate change, and enhance biodiversity.

This project has successfully advanced to the development phase as one of the approved Round 2 Landscape Recovery initiatives. Swallowtail, alongside Digg & Co., is honoured to serve as part of the managerial and consultancy team tasked with guiding this endeavor through its two-year development phase and onward to the stages of habitat creation, implementation, and long-term management.

At Digg & Co., our approach to this master planning process was grounded in a detailed analysis of both publicly available and proprietary datasets. By integrating ecological, community, and economic perspectives, we created a comprehensive and multifaceted vision for the area. Our expertise in mapping, master planning, and large-scale ecosystem restoration enabled us to craft a plan that prioritizes both ecological integrity and socioeconomic benefits.

A central focus of our work was understanding the interconnectedness of the region’s river systems and the potential they offer for revitalising what is now a highly drained landscape. With targeted investment, these waterways can be restored to support significant ecological functions. The Wash Landscape Partnership benefits from its proximity to neighbouring successful recovery projects and the area’s existing designations as a RAMSAR site, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and a nationally protected landscape. When viewed in a broader context, the project aligns seamlessly with a vision of transformative, landscape-scale change along the North West Norfolk Coast.

This region is globally recognised as a vital habitat for migratory and overwintering-wading birds and wildfowl. Species aggregation in this area is frequently highlighted in popular nature programs such as Springwatch, underscoring its ecological significance. By extending and connecting these high-quality habitats, the project ensures the preservation and enhancement of this critical ecological corridor.

Notably, the Wash Landscape Partnership goes beyond the historical focus on wetland restoration common to the North Norfolk Coast. It integrates diverse habitat types—from dry uplands to wetlands—within a contiguous expanse, enabling a seamless transition across ecosystems. For the first time, nesting habitats for wading birds in the dry uplands can be incorporated into a unified landscape, eliminating the need for fragmented nature reserves.

This project embodies the potential for seismic change, combining ecological restoration with community and economic benefits. By reconnecting habitats and revitalising ecosystems, the Wash Landscape Partnership serves as a model for addressing the twin challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss on a landscape scale. With its development phase now underway, this initiative promises to deliver a thriving, resilient landscape that benefits both nature and the communities that surround it.