Over 24,500 trees have been planted at sites owned by United Utilities across Cumbria since October.
The company said the trees have been planted on 110 hectares at three sites across the county, including Haweswater and Thirlmere.
Peatland restoration work has also been carried out at Thirlmere with 175 hectares – the equivalent of more than 240 football pitches – benefiting from restoration work.
As well as acting like giant natural filtration systems which improve water quality, woods and peatland support natural flood management by storing more water in the landscape for longer and slowing the flow of rainwater that runs off the hills.
Jim Airton, estates and land manager at United Utilities said: “Both healthy peatlands and woodlands provide numerous benefits for our customers and the environment of the North West.
“They capture carbon from the atmosphere and boost natural drainage. These natural filtration systems reduce sediment in the water which means they are excellent at improving the quality of water that runs off the land into rivers, streams and our reservoirs.
“Holding water in the land for longer boosts biodiversity by creating a tapestry of different habitats for plants and wildlife to flourish and makes the land more resilient to dry spells and drought.”
Nature-based solutions are also helping United Utilities improve its operational resilience.
Mr Airton added: “Slowing the flow not only protects natural waterways, it also reduces stress on urban drainage systems.
“We’re working across our estate, and with partners on a range of biodiversity-enhancing projects ranging from tree planting and peatland restoration to urban rainwater management schemes.”
