Fish rehomed from Moor Pool as £48m investment begins in Knutsford
This week teams gathered 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.
On Tuesday alone, the team successfully relocated 19 pike, 24 bream, 1 carp and large numbers of roach and perch.
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.
This activity forms part of a wider, innovative water improvement programme designed to significantly enhance water quality at Moor Pool. In addition to the removal of sediment, the project, which is part of United Utilities £3bn plan to reduce the use of storm overflows helping to drive a step change in improving our natural environment, 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.
Described during project discussions as potentially “one of the largest water improvement projects in decades”, the scheme represents a £48 million investment aimed at reducing spills, improving water quality, and protecting the ecological status of the SSSI
The partnership behind the project brings together Tatton Estate, United Utilities, Environment Agency and Natural England.
The project forms part of a wider environmental ambition safeguarding protected landscapes while investing in infrastructure that supports both nature and local communities for generations to come.
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!”
Jane continued: “We understand that our construction work can be inconvenient, and our teams will do their best to minimise that disruption to the community, environment and park users.”
Annette McDonald, Sustainability and Partnerships director for Tatton Estate said “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.”
Cllr April Johnson and The Mayor of Knutsford - Cllr Bryan Hartley were also in attendance throughout the day.
Beyond immediate improvements to water quality, the works are designed to create lasting environmental resilience and future capacity within the catchment, ensuring Moor Pool remains a thriving ecological asset.
The sediment removal is expected to take place in the autumn. Further updates will be shared as the project progresses.