Work begins on Ilkley wetland marking next step in £60m investment programme

Work has begun today on a nature-based wetland in Ilkley, marking the next step of a £60 million investment to improve water treatment and the water quality of the river Wharfe.

The project forms part of Yorkshire Water’s largest ever environmental investment programme, running from 2025 to 2030, which will see £8.3 billion invested across the region to upgrade infrastructure and improve services for customers.

Once complete in 2027, the integrated constructed wetland will provide a final stage of wastewater treatment using natural processes. Water from the upgraded Ilkley Wastewater Treatment Works will be transferred under the river Wharfe to the wetland, where it will flow through six interconnected lagoons.

Within these lagoons, a range of carefully selected wetland plants will naturally treat the water, reducing the need for chemicals or powered equipment, before it is safely returned to the river via a new outfall.

The scheme is designed to deliver multiple environmental benefits, including improved river water quality, a net gain in biodiversity, and the creation of a more natural landscape that can be enjoyed by the local community from nearby public rights of way.

Andrew McKinley, Senior Project Manager at Yorkshire Water, said: “This project is a great example of how we’re using nature-based solutions to improve river water quality while delivering wider environmental benefits. By harnessing natural processes, this wetland will provide an effective final stage of treatment while also creating new habitats and enhancing biodiversity in the local area. It’s an important investment for Ilkley, and for the long-term health of the river Wharfe.”