This week saw teams gather at Moor Pool in Knutsford, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), to begin the careful relocation of fish as part of one of the most significant water improvement projects seen in the region for decades.
Specialist contractors worked methodically across the Pool, safely netting and transferring fish to new habitats. The relocation ensures the ecological balance of the site is protected while major infrastructure works continue to improve water quality and safeguard the long-term health of the SSSI.
The activity forms part of a wider, innovative £48 million water improvement programme which began in January designed to significantly enhance water quality at Moor Pool. In addition to the removal of sediment, the project will deliver an innovative stormwater storage solution by tunnelling 1.8km of new underground pipeline from its pumping station at Moor Pool, to its wastewater treatment works in Knutsford.
The fish have been carefully rehomed to suitable local waters, including the middle pool at Moor Pool, Peover Hall Lake, and a nearby farm pond. The team will return over the coming days to repeat the process and ensure no fish remain before the next stage of works begins.
Sediment removal is expected to take place in the autumn.
Jane Simpson, Commercial Engineering and Capital Delivery Director at United Utilities said:
“We’re pleased to be working closely with Tatton Estate, the Environment Agency and Natural England to deliver this innovative project at Moor Pool in Knutsford. It highlights our ongoing commitment to improve water quality across the region, offering creative solutions to stormwater management in protected areas.
“On completion, this scheme will store up to 5.5m litres of stormwater in periods of heavy rainfall – that’s equivalent to two Olympic sized swimming pools!”
Annette McDonald, Sustainability and Partnerships director for Tatton Estate commented:
“Watching the fish being carefully caught and relocated was a powerful reminder of what this project is about. This is investment for nature in action.
“Moor Pool is a Site of Special Scientific Interest for a reason. Protecting and improving it requires long-term thinking, partnership working and meaningful infrastructure. This project does all three.”
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