Bassetlaw District Flooding Engagement

During Storm Claudia, the Askham Field Team worked diligently to manage water levels and protect Worksop town centre from flooding. To increase the flow of the River Ryton through Kings Park, the penstock at the Canch was opened, allowing greater water discharge and reducing pressure upstream. This proactive measure ensured that excess water was diverted safely away from vulnerable areas, minimising the risk of damage and maintaining public safety during the weather event.

We're putting on another regular community drop-in session at the Retford Library on Tuesday 25th November from 09:30-12:00 - and we'd love for you to attend and bring any questions, queries, or information you may have. We'll be updating on project progress and what we've been able to continue undertaking since the last drop-in.

Please also use the 'Drop-In Feedback' feature on this page to ask us what you're concerned about before you arrive so that we're able to arrive prepared to answer any questions you may have. We appreciate and want your input!

Following our in-person drop-in discussion with the Darrel Road community and those affected by the Carr Dyke, we've helped explain further the options we've explored. Take a look at the PDF below.

Carr Dyke Options Summary

The Askham field team has now completed their weed cut along the River Maun in Mansfield, ensuring the channel remains clear and functional. This work is vital as the Maun feeds into rivers within the Bassetlaw district, meaning any blockages or excessive vegetation could impact wider water flow and flood risk downstream. The Environment Agency carries out in-channel weed cutting to improve conveyance, reduce the risk of flooding, and support a balanced aquatic ecosystem. By managing vegetation, they help maintain healthy river conditions for both wildlife and local communities.

Grass cutting is in full force along the River Idle, you may see some of out field team out and about. Grass cutting is carried out with driven machinery, by hand or by remote controlled mowers, where slopes are steep or unsuitable for larger machines.

It is essential that flood defence embankments are kept in good condition, so they are mown regularly throughout the grass growing season.

Research has shown that the regular close mowing (5-10cm) of grass improves the strength of the root network and erosion resistance. Grass helps protect the earth embankment underneath from external erosion caused by rainfall, wind, currents, wave action, human and animal movement, and traffic.

Regular cutting also prevents broad leafed plants and woody vegetation from getting established. This vegetation could damage the embankment by root penetration, overturning, encouraging burrowing animals, discouraging adequate grass growth and concentrating flows, which then cause scour.

Our amphibious weed boats are out along the River Idle at Gamston cutting weeds within the river channel.

Aquatic weed control is important for maintaining watercourses. If weed is left to grow unchecked, it can restrict the river channel. Detached weed can also collect around bridge structures and flood defence assets, potentially causing blockages and a flood risk. Weed cutting in the channel increases the conveyance of the water, allowing water to move quicker downstream

Upon removal, the cut weed is left to dewater, or to flow down to a weed screen for removal. This allows for any aquatic insects, invertebrates and eels to safely return back to the river. The cut weeds float downstream towards our debris screen assets, where we remove them from the screens.

The Environment Agency has completed a de-silt of The Canch at Memorial Avenue Gardens, Worksop. Works were undertaken by external contractors, Land & Water, on behalf of the Environment Agency.

Desilting involves removing silt from structures or sections of river bed. This can ensure the structures operate effectively and it can, in some cases, improve conveyance through the river system and increase channel capacity.

We carry out desilting in locations where we know it will make a difference. We need to be sure that desilting will not increase flooding downstream, and that desilting is compatible with restrictions around protected species.

Before we undertake desilting activities we make sure the work will not have any negative impacts on the environment, water quality or flood risk elsewhere in the catchment.