Nent Haggs is a project delivered by the Mining Remediation Authority as part of a partnership with the Environment Agency and Defra through the Water and Abandoned Metal Mines programme. The project treats metal‑contaminated mine water and the work at Nent Haggs improves the River Nent for 60km downstream.
The site has been designed to work well and convey water efficiently to the treatment facility in all flow conditions, from low levels in dry periods to peak rainfall during storm events. Pipework installed within the highway has been built to handle higher flows in the future, helping to ensure long‑term resilience. The pumping, control and electrical systems have been designed to operate flexibly so they can respond to different scenarios.
The outfall has also been designed to adapt to natural changes in the riverbank—working with the natural movement of the landscape rather than against it. Other climate‑ready features include buildings made from locally sourced stone with minimal openings, helping them perform well in hot, cold and windy conditions. Landscaping across the site uses vegetation suited to the local environment now and into the future, supporting both resilience and biodiversity.
We have also designed land‑drainage features that slow and store floodwater while creating valuable habitat. This shows how infrastructure can meet practical needs while also supporting nature.