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2026 Erosion Protection Works - Eastern Embankment Near Monkbretton Bridge


To help safeguard the eastern embankment just south of Monkbretton Bridge and to protect both the existing and recently raised flood defences we are carrying out essential erosion protection works in the area highlighted.

As part of these works, we will be installing a layer of 40–200kg rock armour on the embankment. Before placing the rock, the embankment surface will be fully cleared of silt and debris to ensure a stable foundation. The rock armour will be supported by 12m sheet piles, which will be driven into the base of the riverside slope to provide long‑term stability and prevent further erosion.

This phase of works will take place throughout spring and summer, with activity planned from March through to October.

Programme of works

Temporary Works Near Monkbretton (March–May)

Installation of the haul road from the compound, a turning area next to the Southern Water building, and stone mats on the embankment which will to support the weight of the crane and excavator operations when they begin.

Piling Mobilisation (April–June)

We will be taking delivery of a 400‑tonne crawler crane and the piling equipment. We will also be installing a pontoon for our small safety boat north of Monkbretton Bridge.

Piling Works (May–August)
We will be installing around 50 metres of steel sheet piles along the bottom of the existing embankment. These supports are driven into the ground to help strengthen the riverbank and reduce erosion.

Piling Demobilisation (July–August)

Once the piling work is complete, we will take away the piling equipment and will dismantle and remove the crane.

Embankment Stone Placement (July–September)

We will be preparing the riverbank and adding protective rock which means we will be removing built‑up silt from the embankment before placing a layer of large rock (weighing between 40–200kg each) behind the new sheet piles. This rock helps strengthen the riverbank, protects it from erosion and reduces the risk of future damage during high river flows.

Removal of Temporary Works in place (August–September)

As part of removing the temporary works, the stone mats that were used to support heavy machinery will be lifted and taken back to the compound. These mats were only needed during the main construction phase and will now be removed to restore the area.

Final Site Demobilisation (September–October)

We will aim to remove the compound, haul road, and temporary site access beside the rugby club during this stage of the project. Once this is complete, it will mark the end of our works in the area.


Having assessed several ways to reduce flood risk along the River Rother, our solution is to:

  • Raise and widen the flood embankments along the River Rother and Union Channel.
  • Set back the flood defences in two places to allow natural processes to occur for erosion control and habitat compensation.
  • Undertake repair and stabilisation works to Union Channel Sluice and Pumping Station.
  • Construct two hard defence erosion control sections, one downstream of Union Channel and the other just downstream of Monk Bretton Bridge.
  • Steel sheet piling will be installed between the two bridges behind Kings Avenue where access is limited, we will be fitting a steel capping beams to ensure the safety of the area and create a more aesthetically pleasing look for the public.

Rye is an historic and beautiful town, so managing the scheme in a sensitive way is paramount. It is vital that we ensure disruption is kept to a minimum during the three-year construction program.

In addition to the communities living directly behind the defenses, there are various structures and features along the river which require special attention, such as:

  • Historic sluice structures
  • Eroding embankments
  • Businesses that sit right next to the river; most noticeably the fishing fleet, the golf club and various farms who have evolved with that connection to the river.

Union Channel Sluice

An engineering appraisal concluded that the existing Union Channel Sluice could not be structurally upgraded to withstand a flood event with a 0.5% (1 in 200) chance of occurring in any given year.

Therefore, we’ll be raising the embankments either side of the Union Channel from the Sluice to the Pumping Station (approximately 750m).

We have removed the failing sluice doors to make the structure act as a three arch bridge, these doors will be saved and stored on the EA site until a decision is made on their best use.

Union Sluice





2026 Erosion Protection Works - Eastern Embankment Near Monkbretton Bridge


To help safeguard the eastern embankment just south of Monkbretton Bridge and to protect both the existing and recently raised flood defences we are carrying out essential erosion protection works in the area highlighted.

As part of these works, we will be installing a layer of 40–200kg rock armour on the embankment. Before placing the rock, the embankment surface will be fully cleared of silt and debris to ensure a stable foundation. The rock armour will be supported by 12m sheet piles, which will be driven into the base of the riverside slope to provide long‑term stability and prevent further erosion.

This phase of works will take place throughout spring and summer, with activity planned from March through to October.

Programme of works

Temporary Works Near Monkbretton (March–May)

Installation of the haul road from the compound, a turning area next to the Southern Water building, and stone mats on the embankment which will to support the weight of the crane and excavator operations when they begin.

Piling Mobilisation (April–June)

We will be taking delivery of a 400‑tonne crawler crane and the piling equipment. We will also be installing a pontoon for our small safety boat north of Monkbretton Bridge.

Piling Works (May–August)
We will be installing around 50 metres of steel sheet piles along the bottom of the existing embankment. These supports are driven into the ground to help strengthen the riverbank and reduce erosion.

Piling Demobilisation (July–August)

Once the piling work is complete, we will take away the piling equipment and will dismantle and remove the crane.

Embankment Stone Placement (July–September)

We will be preparing the riverbank and adding protective rock which means we will be removing built‑up silt from the embankment before placing a layer of large rock (weighing between 40–200kg each) behind the new sheet piles. This rock helps strengthen the riverbank, protects it from erosion and reduces the risk of future damage during high river flows.

Removal of Temporary Works in place (August–September)

As part of removing the temporary works, the stone mats that were used to support heavy machinery will be lifted and taken back to the compound. These mats were only needed during the main construction phase and will now be removed to restore the area.

Final Site Demobilisation (September–October)

We will aim to remove the compound, haul road, and temporary site access beside the rugby club during this stage of the project. Once this is complete, it will mark the end of our works in the area.


Having assessed several ways to reduce flood risk along the River Rother, our solution is to:

  • Raise and widen the flood embankments along the River Rother and Union Channel.
  • Set back the flood defences in two places to allow natural processes to occur for erosion control and habitat compensation.
  • Undertake repair and stabilisation works to Union Channel Sluice and Pumping Station.
  • Construct two hard defence erosion control sections, one downstream of Union Channel and the other just downstream of Monk Bretton Bridge.
  • Steel sheet piling will be installed between the two bridges behind Kings Avenue where access is limited, we will be fitting a steel capping beams to ensure the safety of the area and create a more aesthetically pleasing look for the public.

Rye is an historic and beautiful town, so managing the scheme in a sensitive way is paramount. It is vital that we ensure disruption is kept to a minimum during the three-year construction program.

In addition to the communities living directly behind the defenses, there are various structures and features along the river which require special attention, such as:

  • Historic sluice structures
  • Eroding embankments
  • Businesses that sit right next to the river; most noticeably the fishing fleet, the golf club and various farms who have evolved with that connection to the river.

Union Channel Sluice

An engineering appraisal concluded that the existing Union Channel Sluice could not be structurally upgraded to withstand a flood event with a 0.5% (1 in 200) chance of occurring in any given year.

Therefore, we’ll be raising the embankments either side of the Union Channel from the Sluice to the Pumping Station (approximately 750m).

We have removed the failing sluice doors to make the structure act as a three arch bridge, these doors will be saved and stored on the EA site until a decision is made on their best use.

Union Sluice




Page last updated: 28 Apr 2026, 02:06 PM