Environmental award success for Mott MacDonald Bentley

Working on behalf of Yorkshire Water, Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB) have delivered a pioneering nature-based wetlands scheme at Dearne Reach, West Yorkshire, that received a Green Apple National Gold Award 2025 for Sustainable Development.

Established in 1994, the International Green Apple Awards for Environmental Best Practice have since become one of the most respected global campaigns for sustainability, recognising projects across the world that demonstrate innovation in reducing environmental impact. They also celebrate schemes that deliver resource efficiency and support long-term ecological wellbeing.

MMB designed and constructed the low-carbon stormwater management solution, engineered to harness the power of natural pollutant removal, ultimately improving 4km of the River Dearne. Thirteen adjacent wetland cells - covering 44,000m² – are housing 350,000 plants to naturally treat effluent, delivering a sustainable alternative to concrete infrastructure and creating many new thriving habitats. The plants have been specifically selected for the treatment capacity, and alongside the enhancement of existing hedgerows across the site, has enabled a staggering 38% biodiversity net gain in terrestrial habitats.  

As the largest integrated constructed wetland scheme developed in the UK, its unique design and successful results will contribute to driving continuous innovation in nature-based solutions for storm management across the water industry. The project represents an excellent example of the power of collaboration between civil engineering and nature-based solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change and promote sustainable development.

Aerial view of the constructed wetland cells at Dearne Reach