Between 2018 and 2021, the council delivered phase 1 of this project as 1 of 4 community-scale Natural Flood Management (NFM) pilot schemes funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
The project aimed to reduce the risk of flooding to properties downstream, including homes along Park Avenue and Broadwood Avenue.
The works included the installation of more than 40 leaky dams in Park Wood, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a national nature reserve.
Leaky dams mimic natural blockages created by fallen trees and branches. They help to:
- slow the flow of water during heavy rainfall
- reduce soil erosion
- improve water quality downstream.
Phase 2 will build on the success of the original scheme by introducing additional NFM features within the woodland.
Planned improvements
The proposed works are scheduled from Wednesday 2 September to Friday 9 October and will:
- install more leaky dams
- create online ponds to temporarily store flood water
- increase the woodland's capacity to hold back water during heavy rainfall
- improve public footpaths to make them more accessible
- support the site's environmental and flood risk management objectives.
These improvements will help reduce flood risk while enhancing the natural environment and improving access for visitors.
For more details about the planned works, view the Park Wood proposed scheme drawings.
This project is supported by funding from the Thames Regional Flood and Coastal Committee NFM Fund and the HS2 Community and Environment Fund.