Strategy Development Process
View FAQs
How will the Nene Water Management Strategy be implemented?
The Strategy will prioritise the recommended work to take place which will be organised into phases, according to the level of urgency. The first phase of work will then enter the project development and detailed design stages, when there will be a further opportunity for stakeholders to feedback on the individual recommendations. This process will be replicated for all phases of work. Dependent on their nature, some proposed projects may need to go through the planning application process.
All parties that have registered an interest will be kept updated on the subsequent projects.
The majority of the projects will take place after the Strategy is completed, once the evidence needed has been gathered, and subject to sufficient funding being secured. However, some projects will be prioritised earlier.
How will the final options for the Nene Water Management Strategy be decided?
The options for the Strategy will be developed in collaboration with stakeholders and local communities. The Strategy will present the recommended options and proposed way forward for each location when it is published in Spring 2027.
When will the Nene Water Management Strategy be completed and made available to the public?
Local communities and stakeholders will be consulted on the emerging Strategy in Autumn 2026 to seek their feedback to inform the final version.
The Strategy will be completed in Spring 2027 and will be published shortly after on this project page. Alternatively, stakeholders will be able to contact Nene-strategy@environment-agency.gov.uk to request a copy of the completed Strategy.
Which structures on the River Nene will undergo changes?
The Nene Water Management Strategy will review the management and operation of all structures along the River Nene. This includes weirs, sluices, locks, syphons, and bridges, which assist with water level management and access.
Our specialists will review the existing structures to identify where improvements are required. The potential improvements to these structures will be informed by technical assessments and feedback from stakeholders.
The Strategy will set out the approach to enhancing the River Nene catchment and recommended next steps. Where improvements to structures are required, there will be separate projects to progress these changes.
How much will the Nene Water Management Strategy development cost, and how is it being funded?
We have secured £3.5m funding from central Government to develop the Strategy. One of the outcomes of the Strategy is a review of the current and future funding opportunities for the subsequent projects.
Will any projects be delivered in parallel to the Nene Water Management Strategy, and if so, where?
Yes, our teams will continue to inspect and maintain the existing structures during the Strategy development, so that we comply with health and safety requirements and demonstrate good asset management. This will include works at Islip, Water Newton, Dog in a Doublet Sluice, Stanground Sluice, Nunn Mills Sluice (near Northampton University), Leathermills Sluice, and the Nene Lock Reversals Mitigation at Titchmarsh, Cotterstock, Elton, Great Doddington, Warmington, Wadenhoe, and Yarwell. For more information on the Nene Lock Reversals Project, please use the link under the 'Important Links' section.
Our teams will also continue to undertake routine and emergency maintenance along the River Nene, including grass cutting and weed clearance.