Bledington Natural Flood Management Phase 1
The Bledington Natural Flood Management (NFM) project, conducted by Wild Oxfordshire and supported by funding from the Environment Agency (EA) and Thames Water, 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
Installation of temporary water storage bunds
The project aimed to deploy a series of temporary water storage bunds along the lower section of the brook. They are designed to reduce the volume of water flowing downstream during periods of heightened rainfall and flood events.
Construction of leaky woody dams
These structures were implemented to decelerate the flow of water through the brook and facilitate spillage onto the adjacent floodplain during periods of high rainfall. The leaky woody dams force the water in the brook out into swales. The water then runs down the field and is temporarily held back by the bunds, reducing peak flows downstream. The water gradually returns to the brook over a period of one or two days.
Outcomes
15
leaky woody dams constructed
4
small bunds created for temporary water storage
~10,000 m3
of stored water
Watch drone footage taken by Dave Gasca of the water retention bunds at Bledington below.
Project highlights
The temporary water storage bunds were integrated into the landscape and blended into the natural surroundings seamlessly.
Wild Oxfordshire received positive feedback from the landowner, who was exceptionally pleased with the delivery and execution of the project.
Lessons learnt
Adverse weather conditions posed a challenge during the initial phase of this project, reducing the window for delivery. Consequently, additional time allocation was required to return to the site and implement final adjustments and improvements in the following year.
Future plans
Phase 2 was completed the following year.
Wild Oxfordshire is hoping to work in partnership with the surrounding landowners to further decrease the risk of flooding in Bledington village.
Funding
Total cost: £52,000
Thames Water contribution: £25,000
Public funding:
- Environment Agency: £22,000
- Gloucestershire County Council: £5,000