Salix River & Wetland were appointed by Kier Professional Services to develop a planting plan for two new reedbeds forming part of the Thorpe Hesley Minewater Treatment Scheme.

The wetlands are designed to remove iron from minewater before it reaches nearby watercourses, improving water quality and creating valuable wetland habitat.

Salix developed the planting plan for the wetlands, which together cover over 5,000 square metres. The design combines engineering with ecological expertise, using carefully managed water levels to optimise iron removal while supporting healthy wetland growth. Each bed has been planted with Phragmites australis (Common Reed) and Typha latifolia (Common Bulrush), both resilient native wetland species grown in house at Croxton Nursery.

In August 2025, Salix joined Kier, the Mining Remediation Authority, and Neom Engineering to host a community volunteer planting day. Local residents, families, and team members collaborated to hand-plant hundreds of reeds and bulrushes, creating a vibrant start to the new wetlands.

As the reedbeds mature, they will help improve water quality, support wildlife, and enhance the local landscape.