Working with Nature to Reduce Flooding in Debenham
Two new schemes have been completed just upstream of Debenham to reduce flood risk during heavy rainfall events, such as those experienced during Storm Babet in 2023.
NATURAL FLOOD MANAGEMENT
Projects at Crows Hall and Elm Farm were awarded £122,219 of funding from The Anglian Eastern Regional Flood and Coastal Committee’s Local Levy, with initial designs funded by Defra’s Water Environment Improvement Funding.
Many partners have been involved in successfully bringing these natural flood management projects to life, with Suffolk County Council in its role as Lead Local Flood Authority securing funding to oversee the projects.
The schemes are designed to intercept surface water flows, that would otherwise contribute to flooding within the village during periods of peak rainfall. Surface water flows are intercepted through a series of deliberately leaky debris dams and water attenuation features.
A leaky dam installed at Crows Hall An attenuation area at Elm Farm
Left: A leaky dam installed at Crows Hall. Right: An attenuation area at Elm Farm.
They complement a number of other flood resilience projects that are both constructed and proposed for the Debenham area. While they cannot guarantee complete protection from flooding, they will significantly reduce flood risk to people and property.
Landowner Louis Stephenson, speaking on behalf of the Upper Deben Farm Cluster, said:
We're proud to play our part in helping protect Debenham from future heavy rainfall. Collectively Upper Deben Farm Cluster landowners have identified many sites for nature based solutions to improve river resilience to floods and droughts, water quality and river habitats throughout the freshwater catchment of the Deben.
Councillor Morgan Brobyn, Suffolk County Council's Cabinet Member for Food, Waste and Rural Affairs, said:
“Debenham was one of the worst hit areas following Storm Babet and experienced considerable levels of flooding.
“Through a true partnership effort, and the proactiveness of landowners and partners, and the council’s investigations, we have all been able to identify suitable sites to improve flooding protection of the village.
“Natural flood management is an effective and sympathetic approach to reducing flood risk by working with nature. The landscape naturally slows and stores water, rather than relying solely on built structures such as flood walls and concrete barriers.”
RECOVERING THE DEBEN
The projects also complement the "Recovering the Deben from Source to Sea" programme - an initiative from the East Suffolk Catchment Partnership, hosted by the Essex and Suffolk River’s Trust.
This works along the entire river to improve its health, from restoring natural riverbanks to reconnecting habitats for wildlife.
Helen Dangerfield, Director at the Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust, said:
“The River Deben is a vital part of our local environment, and natural flood management helps protect it by slowing the flow of water naturally. As well as reducing flood risk, these measures support wildlife, improve water quality and help the river cope with the challenges of a changing climate."
PARTNERSHIP WORKING REMAINS KEY
Following the S19 Flood Investigation Reports carried out after Storm Babet, Suffolk County Council continues to work with landowners and partners to identify further opportunities for natural flood management across the county.
Partners of the project include East Suffolk Water Management Board (IDB), Environment Agency, Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust, Suffolk County Council, Sustainable Water Solutions, Water Management Alliance, and the private landowners as members of the Upper Deben Farm Cluster.
LEARN MORE
Listen to an interview with Helen Dangerfield on BBC Radio Suffolk (2:39:30)
Read about Recovering the Deben from Source to Sea
Comments