Bledington Natural Flood Management Phase 2
The Bledington Natural Flood Management (NFM) project, conducted by Wild Oxfordshire and supported by funding from the Environment Agency (EA), was undertaken with the primary aim of mitigating flood risk within the Bledington village area. The initiatives focused on implementing NFM techniques within the brook that flows through the pasture lands within the Evenlode catchment.
Objectives
The previous year (in Phase 1) we constructed 4 small bunds. This year we were able to construct a further 2 large bunds for temporary water storage and associated leaky woody dams to slow the flow.
Outcomes
8
leaky woody dams constructed
2
large bunds created for temporary water storage
37
professionals have visited the site
Project highlights
We visited the site after Storm Bert in November 2024 and could see by the leaf litter brash line that all the bunds had filled to capacity, so we know that the scheme is working well. Fortunately, a farmer was also able to take photos of them full of water.
Bledington villagers think that it has made a difference to frequency of flooding and are very positive about the project.
Lessons learnt
We needed a Flood Risk Assessment Permit from the Environment Agency before we could carry out this work and had to allow plenty of time prior to starting on site to achieve this.
Future plans
Wild Oxfordshire is hoping to work in partnership with the surrounding landowners to produce an NFM strategy and plan future works to further decrease the risk of flooding in Bledington village.
Funding
Total cost: £78,100
Funded by the Environment Agency.