Fens 2100+ Programme
Transforming the approach to investing in flood and coastal resilience for the future of the UK Fens
The Fens is one of the most distinctive landscapes in the UK. Once a natural marshland, it has become one of the most productive agricultural regions in the UK.
The marshes were drained in the 17th Century, using man-made engineering methods such as drainage systems, embankments and pumping stations. Being below sea level the water in the Fens must be constantly managed to ensure they is enough water for agriculture while also draining water off the landscape in heavy rain.
Following the second world war, in response to a demand for food production, there was significant investment in the Flood and Coastal Risk Management Assets (Sluices, Pumping Stations etc). Many of the flood risk assets that were constructed at this time are still in place today and continue to serve their original purpose
What is Fens 2100+?
Fens 2100+ was set up to deliver a specific measure within the National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy (highlighting the urgency and importance of action).
We are a partnership delivering a £9.8m programme of work to develop a long-term plan for managing future flood risk in the Fens.
Why is it needed?
Living and working in the Fens is only possible because of a complex system of around 17,000 flood risk and water level management assets, such as pumping stations, tidal barriers, drainage channels and embanked defences.
This critical system is estimated to deliver more than £58bn worth of benefits – both through direct protection to people and properties, businesses, critical infrastructure, and agricultural land, and through indirect benefits to the local economy, for example through jobs, and the food and drink sector supply chain.
The above diagram shows how the Fens contributes to the UK economy, and the vulnerabilities it faces from being a lowland landscape
However, this flood risk and water management system faces significant challenges - many of the assets are beyond their design life, and under increasing pressure from climate related impacts. If they fail, the consequences could be catastrophic.
We will need to invest differently in the way we manage water and flood risk assets in future to address these challenges.
Fens 2100+ Goals and Projects
The Fens 2100+ Programme aims to transform how we invest in flood and coastal resilience. Its core projects include:
Catchment Baseline Reports
Provide a detailed picture of current flood risk and asset performance across the Fens
Identify challenges, opportunities, and priorities
Case for Change Document
Highlights the urgent need for change
Sets out the strategic case for continued and enhanced investment
Highlights the national and regional value of the Fens
Includes a partnership action plan to guide the next decade
A Decade of Action
Develops catchment-level investment strategies
Clarifies short- and medium-term priorities for maintaining and improving Flood Coastal Risk Management infrastructure
Enables longer term transformational change and radical landscape choices
These publications will be launched in Spring 2026, marking a major milestone for the programme.
Get involved!
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- We will continue to add useful content to the information section for your reference
- We will announce any opportunities to meet or discuss, either online or face-to-face
- We will update the programme timeline with milestone dates and activities
- In the future we will also announce when we create a poll, survey or forum to get your feedback on specific topics or how we might improve the content on this page for you.
In the meantime, if you have any questions or comments you are welcome to contact using our enquiries email.
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ADA – On behalf of The Fens 2100+ Partnership hosts an event at Westminster to celebrate publication of Baseline and Case for Change Reports
Parliamentarians and regional leaders gathered last week for a special Fens2100+ event, to hear about the work of the Fens2100+ partnership and recently completed the Catchment Baseline reports and supporting Case for Change document.Representatives from across the Fens partnership attended to discuss how collective action is essential to safeguard the Fens and secure a safer, more resilient future for everyone who depends on them.
The event opened with Sir John Hayes MP, who reflected on his many years serving his constituency in the heart of the Fens and the importance of the drainage network.
Speakers from across the partnership discussed the Fens economic and social importance. They described the area as the “breadbasket of England”, underpinning billions of pounds in agricultural output, while also hosting fast‑growing towns, ambitious economic plans, major energy infrastructure and vital east–west and north–south transport corridors. The Fens landscape was highlighted as essential to food production, water supply, carbon storage and biodiversity.
The Catchment Baselines and Case for Change are due to be published w/c 30 March. We will update this page with the links.
Amy Shaw - Fens 2100+ Executive Director -
RSPB organised visit to explore the benefits of farm clusters
Fens 2100+ programme director Amy Shaw, and strategy advisor Anna Robotham, recently visited Harrowden’s turf farm, a visit hosted by the RSPB. Situated within the Ouse catchment we learnt about the challenges and opportunities of climate change for the region’s agricultural sector. We explored the benefits of farm clusters, groups of neighbouring farms joining their efforts in making space for nature. In the context of the challenges brought by increased climatic extremes in a carefully managed landscape, the concept of farm clusters is gaining momentum and we are keen to support such initiatives.
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Fens 2100+ Team and Partners Take a Well‑Earned Break in the Fens
After completing intensive work on the next phase of the Fens 2100+ programme, team members from Fens 2100+, Arup and Rivelin Bridge took a well‑earned walk together in the Fens. The group included (from left to right): Steven Trewhella (Rivelin Bridge), Hannah Smith (Arup), Louise Wilson (Fens 2100+ core team), Anna Robotham (Fens 2100+ core team), Tom Freer (Fens 2100+ core team) and Andy Bailey (Fens 2100+ core team).
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Fens 2100+ Presents at ADA’s Annual Environment Day
The Fens 2100+ team was pleased to speak at the Association of Drainage Authorities (ADA) Annual Environment Day in February. ADA, a key Fens 2100+ partner and member of our Programme Board, brings together organisations involved in water management to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing lowland watercourses and the freshwater environment.
Amy Shaw, Fens 2100+ Flood Risk Manager, delivered a presentation sharing insights and evidence from our upcoming publications. She highlighted the Fens 2100+ partnership action plan designed to help secure a climate‑resilient and thriving future for the Fens.
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Fens 2100+ Team Films Videos to Support Baseline Reports and Case for Change
The Fens 2100+ team has been busy filming videos to support the upcoming Baseline Reports and Case for Change documents, which will soon be published on GOV.UK. Despite very cold weather, the Fens team and local partners worked hard throughout the day to capture footage and explain the history and importance of the Dog‑in‑a‑Doublet structure to water management in the Fens.
The Case for Change video sets out why long‑term adaptation is essential for the Fens. It highlights growing pressures from climate change, increased flood risk, water scarcity and land subsidence. The video explains why current approaches are no longer enough and why a coordinated, long‑term strategy is needed. It brings together flood risk management, water resources, agriculture, nature recovery and economic growth, forming the strategic basis for both the Fens 2100+ and Future Fens programmes.
The Catchment Baseline video gives a clear picture of the Fens as they are today. It brings together evidence on the area’s physical, environmental, agricultural and socio‑economic characteristics, as well as the current flood and water management systems. This shared baseline provides the foundation for exploring future adaptation options and supports the development of long‑term, integrated solutions through Fens 2100+ and Future Fens.
Filming also focused on the Dog‑in‑a‑Doublet Sluice and lock, located east of Peterborough on the River Nene. This structure is a vital tidal navigation and flood management asset that separates the tidal and non‑tidal sections of the river. It includes a lock, automated sluice gates that stop saltwater from moving upstream, and an adjacent pumping station. These features help maintain safe navigation levels and protect irrigation water and local ecosystems. The site is also a recognised flood‑risk location, forming part of the Tidal River Nene flood‑warning area that stretches from the sluice to Wisbech.
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Fens 2100+ Presents at the Norfolk Strategic Flooding Alliance – 30 January 2026
Andy Bailey, Senior Strategy Adviser for Fens 2100+, visited County Hall in Norwich to present the Fens 2100+ programme to the Norfolk Strategic Flooding Alliance (NSFA).
The NSFA, created in February 2021, brings together organisations involved in planning for and responding to flooding in Norfolk. Members include the Environment Agency, Anglian Water, Norfolk County Council, all district councils, the Norfolk Resilience Forum, the Broads Authority, the Water Management Alliance and Water Resources East. More than 30 organisations take part.
The Alliance aims to give Norfolk residents confidence that flood risks are managed as effectively as possible. Its vision, objectives and structure are set out in the Norfolk Strategic Flooding Alliance strategy (PDF, 275 KB) which supports coordinated, countywide responses to both coastal and inland flooding.
Henry Cator OBE chairs the NSFA. He also serves as President of the Association of Drainage Authorities, the national membership body for organisations involved in drainage, water level management and flood risk management. The NSFA Board meets every two months at County Hall in Norwich.
The Fens 2100+ presentation was well received, and the team made several useful connections. During the visit, Andy saw the SEPECAT Jaguar GR1 (serial XW563) on display at County Hall. This former Cold War strike aircraft previously served as a gate guardian at RAF Coltishall. It was moved to Norfolk County Council headquarters in 2007 to act as a permanent memorial to the Jaguar Force and the area’s military history following the airbase’s closure.
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Happy New Year from the Fens 2100+ Programme team.
Fens 2100+ Successes in 2025! We wish all of our stakeholders a happy new year and look forward to engaging with you in 2026!
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Cambridgeshire County Council visit Denver Sluice Complex - a critical asset in the Fens
On 3rd Nov Councillors and Officers from Cambridgeshire County Council visited the Denver Sluice Complex situated in the heart of the Cambridgeshire Fens.
Our visitors found out more about the Fens 2100 programme and the critical water management infrastructure that underpins the Fens - Denver Sluice is a great example of this.
You can find more about Denver Sluice in this video of an overview of the Denver Complex.
