Understanding our structures

The scheme is made up of a number of water level control structures and raised flood defences. The artificially enlarged River Ember channel has manmade banks that have sheet piling in some locations and scour protection blocks elsewhere. Sheet piling is a construction technique that involves driving interlocking sheets of steel or concrete into the ground to create a retaining wall. Scour protection blocks, on the other hand, are concrete blocks placed at the base of a structure to prevent erosion caused by the flow of water. Together these work to protect the banks from erosion.

The scheme includes raised flood defences such as embankments and flood walls, which are essential for providing flood protection. These will not undergo any work as part of the refurbishment though they will be subject to general maintenance work as and when required. Upstream of the A244, the defences are set back from the river, while downstream they are located along the engineered channel at important points. At Molember, the defences form the boundary for back gardens.

Located within the river channels along the scheme, there are six primary water level control structures, known as sluice gates, which require decisions to be made on their future due to their aging condition. Changes made in one area can impact the other areas of the scheme, and so it is important to assess the area as a whole system.

Molember, Island Barn and Viaduct sluices

These are owned and operated by the Environment Agency and were installed during the construction of the River Ember channel for amenity and recreation purposes. The gates remain closed on a day-to-day basis to retain a steady water level, but in times of high flow, they are opened to allow the water to pass.

Molember SluiceIsland Barn Sluice
Viaduct Suice

Zenith Sluice

This is owned by the Environment Agency. It was in existence before the flood alleviation scheme was built, with some alterations made to the structure during the construction of the scheme. The current design of this structure prevents fish passage, which we aim to facilitate through this scheme.

Zenith Sluice

Wilderness Sluice

Located on the former River Mole channel, this structure is owned by third parties and is relevant to the scheme due to its position and control of water levels, which in turn prevents fish passage. It existed prior to the flood alleviation scheme's construction, with some modifications made to it during the scheme's development.

Wilderness Sluice

Royal Mills Sluice

This is located on a former River Mole channel and is owned by a third party; however, information from the 1950’s has come forward which highlights the Environment Agency's ability to carry out repairs to the structure. The structure consists of a weir which retains a water level behind it, however this means it acts as a barrier to fish passage, which is something we are seeking to improve through this scheme. This structure at Royal Mills was in existence before the current flood alleviation scheme was built and is not used to manage flood risk, it helps to control water levels for amenity purposes.

Royal Mills Sluice


The scheme is made up of a number of water level control structures and raised flood defences. The artificially enlarged River Ember channel has manmade banks that have sheet piling in some locations and scour protection blocks elsewhere. Sheet piling is a construction technique that involves driving interlocking sheets of steel or concrete into the ground to create a retaining wall. Scour protection blocks, on the other hand, are concrete blocks placed at the base of a structure to prevent erosion caused by the flow of water. Together these work to protect the banks from erosion.

The scheme includes raised flood defences such as embankments and flood walls, which are essential for providing flood protection. These will not undergo any work as part of the refurbishment though they will be subject to general maintenance work as and when required. Upstream of the A244, the defences are set back from the river, while downstream they are located along the engineered channel at important points. At Molember, the defences form the boundary for back gardens.

Located within the river channels along the scheme, there are six primary water level control structures, known as sluice gates, which require decisions to be made on their future due to their aging condition. Changes made in one area can impact the other areas of the scheme, and so it is important to assess the area as a whole system.

Molember, Island Barn and Viaduct sluices

These are owned and operated by the Environment Agency and were installed during the construction of the River Ember channel for amenity and recreation purposes. The gates remain closed on a day-to-day basis to retain a steady water level, but in times of high flow, they are opened to allow the water to pass.

Molember SluiceIsland Barn Sluice
Viaduct Suice

Zenith Sluice

This is owned by the Environment Agency. It was in existence before the flood alleviation scheme was built, with some alterations made to the structure during the construction of the scheme. The current design of this structure prevents fish passage, which we aim to facilitate through this scheme.

Zenith Sluice

Wilderness Sluice

Located on the former River Mole channel, this structure is owned by third parties and is relevant to the scheme due to its position and control of water levels, which in turn prevents fish passage. It existed prior to the flood alleviation scheme's construction, with some modifications made to it during the scheme's development.

Wilderness Sluice

Royal Mills Sluice

This is located on a former River Mole channel and is owned by a third party; however, information from the 1950’s has come forward which highlights the Environment Agency's ability to carry out repairs to the structure. The structure consists of a weir which retains a water level behind it, however this means it acts as a barrier to fish passage, which is something we are seeking to improve through this scheme. This structure at Royal Mills was in existence before the current flood alleviation scheme was built and is not used to manage flood risk, it helps to control water levels for amenity purposes.

Royal Mills Sluice


Page last updated: 23 Jul 2024, 11:10 AM