Work begins on Hough Side wetland to improve Pudsey Beck (1)

Work has begun on a new wetland scheme at Hough Side, Pudsey to improve water quality in Pudsey Beck.

The investment is part of an £8.3 billion investment across the region over the next five years to upgrade infrastructure and improve services for customers, with significant investment focused on improving the region’s watercourses.

The Hough Side project, which is being completed by contract partners Kier, will use natural processes to improve water quality by naturally treating stormwater before it enters the beck, helping to reduce the amount of unionised ammonia entering the watercourse. The scheme forms part of a wider programme of investment in sustainable, low carbon solutions designed to protect and enhance the environment.

More than 4.2 hectares of land will be planted and developed into a network of interconnected ponds, which will naturally remove pollutants from stormwater. As well as improving water quality in Pudsey Beck, the wetland will create new habitats for wildlife and enhance biodiversity in the local area.

Justine Pearson, project manager at Yorkshire Water, said: “We’re pleased to be finally starting work on the new wetland at Hough Side. The project, once completed, will help to treat stormwater during heavy rainfall and improve the quality of water in Pudsey Beck.

“This is one of four schemes in the area to improve Pudsey Beck, following work at Dick Lane, Pudsey Smalewell and planned work near Farnley balancing pond to increase stormwater storage in the sewer network and reduce discharges into Pudsey Beck.

The project is part of a broader regional investment programme, including £83 million investment in nature-based solutions.

Nature-based solutions such as wetlands play an important role in improving river health, reducing carbon emissions and delivering long-term environmental benefits, while continuing to provide reliable wastewater services for customers.

Works at Hough Side are now underway and will contribute to ongoing efforts to improve water quality and enhance rivers and watercourses across the region. The wetland is expected to be completed in Spring 2028.

Andy Lingham, managing director – water, at Kier Group Natural Resources, said: “We’re pleased to be working with Yorkshire Water at Pudsey Beck to be delivering the enabling works that will unlock an important nature-based scheme.

“Our role at this stage is focused on creating the access, drainage and temporary infrastructure needed to allow the future construction of the wetlands to progress safely and efficiently. While this contract covers the enabling phase, it’s a great opportunity to support a project that puts natural solutions at the centre of improving water quality and river health.

“Projects like Pudsey Beck show how practical engineering and nature-based approaches can work together to deliver long-term environmental benefits, and we’re proud to see Kier’s name associated with this kind of work as part of Yorkshire Water’s wider investment programme.”

Bird and bat boxes have already been installed at the site as part of efforts to improve the habitat for local wildlife.