We use cookies to ensure our site functions properly and to store limited information about your usage. You may give or withdraw consent at any time. To find out more, read our privacy policy and cookie policy.
Manage Cookies
A cookie is information stored on your computer by a website you visit. Cookies often store your settings for a website, such as your preferred language or location. This allows the site to present you with information customized to fit your needs. As per the GDPR law, companies need to get your explicit approval to collect your data. Some of these cookies are ‘strictly necessary’ to provide the basic functions of the website and can not be turned off, while others if present, have the option of being turned off. Learn more about our Privacy and Cookie policies. These can be managed also from our cookie policy page.
Strictly necessary cookies(always on):
Necessary for enabling core functionality. The website cannot function properly without these cookies. This cannot be turned off. e.g. Sign in, Language
Analytics cookies:
Analytical cookies help us to analyse user behaviour, mainly to see if the users are able to find and act on things that they are looking for. They allow us to recognise and count the number of visitors and to see how visitors move around our website when they are using it. Tools used: Google Analytics
The Environment Agency is investigating ways to reduce the risk of flooding from The Bourn. Flood events can be devastating and we want to work with the community to fully understand the issues, and the opportunities that investment in a flood risk scheme could also bring.
An Introduction to The Bourn FRMS
The Bourn and its tributaries, Griffin Brook and Wood Brook, run through Bournville parks and heavily urbanised areas before joining the River Rea in Stirchley. Following periods of intense rain this normally sedate river can overtop causing flash flooding to homes, businesses, and transport links in the Stirchley and Bournville areas. The Environment Agency is working with the community to find solutions to reduce the risk of river flooding in this area.
Our Flood Risk Manager Rhys McCarthy explains more about the project.
Over the summer we completed a phase of community engagement, with stands at local community events and drop-in events in Stirchley Baths and St Lazars Hall. These were very well attended and we are using the feedback from these events to help inform the outline design and visualisations. The comments, concerns, and suggestions regarding park usage and scheme design were compiled and shared with the design consultants, Jacobs, to ensure these important factors are fully understood and considered.
What happens next?
It is important to note that we currently only have funding for this financial year (2025/26) to produce the outline designs. Subject to continued funding we will aim to engage and consult with key stakeholders and the community via drop-in events and a public meeting in the Spring.
We are committed to working in collaboration with the community to find a solution that meets all of our objectives. There are lots of factors and opportunities to consider, and this is where we will need your local knowledge and help. You can contact us by email at TheBournFRMS@environment-agency.gov.uk.
The Environment Agency is investigating ways to reduce the risk of flooding from The Bourn. Flood events can be devastating and we want to work with the community to fully understand the issues, and the opportunities that investment in a flood risk scheme could also bring.
An Introduction to The Bourn FRMS
The Bourn and its tributaries, Griffin Brook and Wood Brook, run through Bournville parks and heavily urbanised areas before joining the River Rea in Stirchley. Following periods of intense rain this normally sedate river can overtop causing flash flooding to homes, businesses, and transport links in the Stirchley and Bournville areas. The Environment Agency is working with the community to find solutions to reduce the risk of river flooding in this area.
Our Flood Risk Manager Rhys McCarthy explains more about the project.
Over the summer we completed a phase of community engagement, with stands at local community events and drop-in events in Stirchley Baths and St Lazars Hall. These were very well attended and we are using the feedback from these events to help inform the outline design and visualisations. The comments, concerns, and suggestions regarding park usage and scheme design were compiled and shared with the design consultants, Jacobs, to ensure these important factors are fully understood and considered.
What happens next?
It is important to note that we currently only have funding for this financial year (2025/26) to produce the outline designs. Subject to continued funding we will aim to engage and consult with key stakeholders and the community via drop-in events and a public meeting in the Spring.
We are committed to working in collaboration with the community to find a solution that meets all of our objectives. There are lots of factors and opportunities to consider, and this is where we will need your local knowledge and help. You can contact us by email at TheBournFRMS@environment-agency.gov.uk.
Please share your thoughts and ideas - We value your local knowledge and carefully review all contributions made here to assess our approach and what additional information we can supply.
The Bourn Flood Risk Management Scheme has finished this stage
January - August 2025 - Modelling various flood risk options including storage, linear defences and conveyance improvements to determine the most effective flood risk options to take forward for further development. We are also exploring wider environmental, heritage and social opportunities such as nature-based solutions in the Bourn Catchment.
2. Engage with stakeholders and the wider community
The Bourn Flood Risk Management Scheme has finished this stage
July 2025 - Drop in events were held in Bournville and Stirchley. We have analysed the feedback and will continue to engage with stakeholders and the community online and via email mailing updates/newsletters throughout 2025.
3. Outline and Landscape Designs
The Bourn Flood Risk Management Scheme is currently at this stage
Autumn / Winter 2025 - Production of designs based on the preferred option for consultation. This stage will also include producing visualisations to help the community and stakeholders understand what the preferred option looks like in the local environment.
4. Options Appraisal including Economic and Environmental Assessments
this is an upcoming stage for The Bourn Flood Risk Management Scheme
Winter 2025 - An economic assessment and options appraisal to review and compare the costs and benefits of each of the shortlisted options. This stage will also include a natural capital assessment, biodiversity net gain calculations and carbon assessment.
5. Engage with key stakeholders and the wider community
this is an upcoming stage for The Bourn Flood Risk Management Scheme
Spring 2026 - Aim to engage and consult with key stakeholders and the community via drop-in events and a public meeting on the preferred option details, plans with visualisations.
6. Finalise Outline Business Case
this is an upcoming stage for The Bourn Flood Risk Management Scheme
Summer 2026 – Finalise Outline Business Case subject to the required funding and approvals being in place.
7. Detailed Design and Planning
this is an upcoming stage for The Bourn Flood Risk Management Scheme
Autumn 2026 – Autumn 2028 – Production of the Full Business Case and associated tasks including ground investigations, detailed design and relevant landowner and planning permissions. This stage is subject to the required funding and approvals being in place.
8. Construction
this is an upcoming stage for The Bourn Flood Risk Management Scheme
Autumn 2028 – Autumn 2030 - Construction of the preferred option by our approved framework contractor. This stage is subject to the required funding and approvals being in place.
