Old Farm NFM, Moreton-in-Marsh
Project at a glance
Completed September 2026
An existing pond has been deepened and a series of bunds and leaky woody dams have been installed to slow the flow of water and increase the water storage capacity.
Project status
CompleteArea of focus
There is a lot of interest in Moreton-in-Marsh to carry out river restoration works to reduce flood risk, improve biodiversity and increase public health. The ECP got involved to support the town’s new Flood Action Group.
The ECP has been working with a local farmer at Old Farm to reduce the amount of surface water run off, hoping to reduce flooding in the town.
Objectives
The ECP wanted to support the Moreton-in-Marsh community to improve local environmental benefits. This project increased the amount of water that could be stored across the farm by:
- Deepening an existing pond.
- Constructing a series of bunds.
- Introducing leaky 4 dams.
Outcomes
1 Pond deepened
2 Bunds holding surface water back
4 leaky dams slowing the flow of the brook
Habitat diversity increased, boosting biodiversity
Project highlights
Working with engaged and keen tenant farmers – Simon and Sarah Righton – wanting to increase biodiversity across the farm and help where they can to reduce flooding in Moreton.
Lessons learnt
Starting work with a new group to develop new projects takes a long time and many meetings. Long lead times need to be factored in.
Future plans
We intend to keep working across the Batsford Estate and hope to construct more NFM interventions to protect Moreton in Marsh.
Funding
Funded by Thames Regional Flood and Coastal Committee and the Water Restoration Fund, total cost: £65,320.26