Phase One: Embankments
Embankments background
The Lower River Witham catchment is a large area of fenland between Lincoln and Boston. With land levels ranging from only 1m to 4m above sea level, this area would naturally be marshy wetland. An historic legacy of drainage works, and embanked watercourses has enabled the arable land to be farmed and communities to establish. In total the catchment contains some 300km of flood embankments that help to protect an area of 1,200km2 that contains residential properties, businesses and highly productive arable land which is nationally significant.
Why are we carrying out these works?
The embanked channels are of significant age, many in excess of 200 years old. Climate change causing increasing flood risk is testing them more than ever before, putting communities and the local economy at risk.
This project aims to improve the resilience of embankments, for example to overtopping, and seepage management to reduce the impact of flooding on communities. This work also aims to improve access to the embankments for maintenance.
What will the works include?
Works will include vegetation removal, topping up low spots on embankments, access improvements, protected species exclusion and relocation, and restoring banks that have eroded in channel.
What have we been doing?
For the latest project update visit our Phase One: Embankments newsfeed.
How might I be affected by the works?
We will be in contact to arrange access to embankments where required.