The River Leen Strategy

The River Leen is Nottingham’s river

Many people who live and work in Nottingham can recognise the River Leen as it crosses large parts of the city through Bestwood and Bulwell, onto Basford and Bobbers Mill, before flowing through Lenton and into the River Trent near Victoria Embankment.

The River Leen is an important and historic river. We want to make sure it stays clean, safe, and fun for everyone to enjoy!

The Environment Agency are working on a strategy to manage flood risk from the river but we also want to work with everyone who lives, works, or plays near the river.to help nature and wildlife too. When we take care of the river, it also helps the plants, animals, and people who live nearby.


Historic Weir at John Wright Close


The River Leen needs you!

This page will keep you updated about our plans and let you know how you can join in and help take care of the River Leen—so it stays healthy for many years to come.

The River Leen isn't just Nottingham's river, its your river and we want to know what you know and think about the River Leen. What do you like about it? Is there anything you think could make it better? Can you see the Leen from where you work or live?

You can support us by:

  • Subscribing to this page for updates on our work on the River Leen.
  • Leaving a short story to tell us what you think of the River Leen in our "stories" section below.
  • Sending us your pictures of the Leen in our "places" section below.
  • Visiting this page frequently to learn about other work you can support us with on the river.



Leen old flood defence


The River Leen is Nottingham’s river

Many people who live and work in Nottingham can recognise the River Leen as it crosses large parts of the city through Bestwood and Bulwell, onto Basford and Bobbers Mill, before flowing through Lenton and into the River Trent near Victoria Embankment.

The River Leen is an important and historic river. We want to make sure it stays clean, safe, and fun for everyone to enjoy!

The Environment Agency are working on a strategy to manage flood risk from the river but we also want to work with everyone who lives, works, or plays near the river.to help nature and wildlife too. When we take care of the river, it also helps the plants, animals, and people who live nearby.


Historic Weir at John Wright Close


The River Leen needs you!

This page will keep you updated about our plans and let you know how you can join in and help take care of the River Leen—so it stays healthy for many years to come.

The River Leen isn't just Nottingham's river, its your river and we want to know what you know and think about the River Leen. What do you like about it? Is there anything you think could make it better? Can you see the Leen from where you work or live?

You can support us by:

  • Subscribing to this page for updates on our work on the River Leen.
  • Leaving a short story to tell us what you think of the River Leen in our "stories" section below.
  • Sending us your pictures of the Leen in our "places" section below.
  • Visiting this page frequently to learn about other work you can support us with on the river.



Leen old flood defence


What the Leen means to me

The Leen is Nottingham's River, passing through the areas of Bestwood, Bulwell, Basford, Radford and Lenton. We would like to know what the river means to the people who live and work on the Leen.

The River Leen is also your river and we ant to know what the river means to you.

Please take the time to share with us any stories about the river, it's history or your personal experiences of the river. 

Thank you for sharing your story with us.

All fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.

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  • Andrew Disney - Senior Flood Advisor - Environment Agency

    about 2 months ago

    I’ve lived and worked in Nottingham for many years now. It’s the place I started my own family and the place my daughters call home. As I reflect with age I feel the importance of place more than ever.

    I have spent the last 5 or 6 years been collecting flood risk data and evidence on the River Leen and during that time I have come to appreciate more and more the importance of this river to Nottingham and to the people that live and work close to the river. The River Leen is Nottingham’s river.

    I’ve met people who... Continue reading

  • Kira Besh - Catchment Coordinator - Environment Agency

    2 months ago

    The River Leen is a blue-green artery running through the length of Nottingham. It flows through and past woodland, parks, playing fields, nature reserves, neighbourhoods, hospitals, post-industrial land, business and other built-up areas. Some people even don't know that it's there. But when you discover it, it’s a secret that you have to share and shout about.

    For an urban river, its wildlife is diverse including: water vole, brown trout, eel and otter. But their habitat is fragmented and in need of restoring and healing. There are some great bits to visit and other areas of the river that need... Continue reading

  • Luke Donnelly - Health and Wellbeing Officer

    2 months ago

    The River Leen holds significant value for Ashfield District Council, particularly in its role as a vital component of the area's green infrastructure and ecological network. Flowing through Annesley and adjacent to Hucknall, the river is part of a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing biodiversity, recreational access, and connectivity across the district. Ashfield District Council has actively collaborated with Nottinghamshire County Council and other partners to improve a 3km stretch of the River Leen, focusing on upgrading paths, creating new pedestrian and cycle links, and enriching habitats within Mill Lakes and Bestwood Country Parks. This work aligns with the council’s... Continue reading

  • Ross Levy- Transport Planner

    2 months ago

    I really enjoy walking along the River Leen between Bulwell and Basford. It provides such a welcome relief from the rush of the city on either side of this stretch of the river. It’s a route that puts a smile on my face as there’s always a friendly face (or animal) along the way to say hello to. By comparison to the trains and tram on the other side, it feels refreshing to walk at a slower pace and take in my surroundings and it’s the perfect place to catch some sunshine too. As a Transport Planner, it would be... Continue reading

  • Chloe Langley – Principal Officer in Flood Risk Management (Lead Local Flood Authority)

    2 months ago

    By looking at the interactions between surface water and the river, opportunities for greening the city and implementing sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) are abundant. Through better management of rain at its source, we could all contribute to reducing run-off to the river and improving water quality, as well as reducing risk of localised flooding issues. This could range from individual homeowners de-paving, utilising water butts and green roofs through to larger scale storage schemes through rain gardens and ponds in public spaces.

    The River Leen fascinates me on a personal level, with its rich history and its potential to become... Continue reading

  • Ray Gallagher - Engagement Officer - The Environment Agency

    5 months ago
    I have lived in Nottingham for the past 10 years and have worked with the Environment Agency the entire time.


    I was unaware of the river Leen until I started working on this project but I have since spent a lot of time walking the river and coming to understand its biodiversity, beauty and complexity.

    The whole project team is very passionate about the river and it has inspired me to do my part to help this historic watercourse reach its full potential once again.

Page last updated: 03 Dec 2025, 01:57 PM