Category Phase One: Embankments Show all
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Phase One: Embankments
In November, Breheny Civil Engineering won the contract to deliver earthworks for this project. Their work includes addressing low spots, managing seepage, and other elements relating to raised riverbanks.
Since then, works have been progressing well across several smaller sites in the Lower Witham area. Throughout December earthworks were completed at five sites. This involved the team topping up low embankment areas, carrying out localised repairs, and removing vegetation to improve long-term resilience.
At some sites, soil has been added to raise low areas, then seeded with grass and covered with a biodegradable geotextile. This material helps grass germinate and stabilises the soil while roots establish. Once the grass takes hold, the covering naturally breaks down, leaving a strengthened embankment. You may see this method used more widely where embankments are raised.
Biodegradable geotextile covering an area where a low spot has recently been raised. Along the Witham Bank roadside flood wall, we have strengthened foundations by excavating a narrow trench and installing compacted clay. This reduces seepage risk and prevents future settlement of the wall. The defence height will now be improved by building a low concrete-bag wall to tie the embankment into the existing flood wall.
Excavation works carried out along a stretch of the Witham Bank flood wall.
Works completed along a stretch of the Witham Bank flood wall. Works were paused over Christmas and will resume in the New Year.
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Phase One: Embankments
We are pleased to share the Full Business Case for this part of project has been approved. This means the team can now move ahead with delivering works on the ground, where funding allows.
Preparations are already underway. The works have been put out to tender, and we've recently completed the evaluation process. Our preferred supplier will be announced by the end of October. In the meantime, the team is identifying areas where vegetation will need to be removed to reduce flood risk and allow space for maintenance works. We're also working with Lincolnshire County Council to apply for any necessary footpath closures.
When we remove habitat such as trees and bushes for flood defence work, we must replace it elsewhere. This is known as mitigation. We are now planning the first phase of mitigation planting to replace vegetation removed during the embankment works. This will include planting new trees.
The work will take place next to Hardy Gang Wood, part of the Bardney Limewoods and a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). While the new planting won’t automatically become part of the SSSI, the team is planning to use a similar mix of tree species to complement the existing woodland.
We are working closely with partners including Lincolnshire County Council, the Internal Drainage Board, Natural England, Forestry England, and the tenant farmer to make sure the planting fits with their needs and the local landscape.
Land where mitigation plating will take place.