What is being installed in Epping Forest to manage flooding?

Hundreds of purposefully-designed leaky dams are being installed across Epping Forest.

What are the benefits of the leaky dams project in Epping Forest?

The project aims to manage flooding, safeguard homes, create conditions for wildlife to thrive, enhance carbon storage, and improve air quality.

Home / Environment / Epping Forest Floods: Leaky Dams to the Rescue

Epping Forest Floods: Leaky Dams to the Rescue

Q: How much funding has been allocated for the Epping Forest leaky dams project?

The project is funded with £200,000 from the Environment Agency and £150,000 from the City of London Corporation's climate action strategy.

6 Feb

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Summary

Hundreds of leaky dams to be installed in Epping Forest.
Project aims to manage flooding and support wildlife habitats.
£350,000 in funding secured for the environmental initiative.

Epping Forest Floods: Leaky Dams to the Rescue

Epping Forest is set to undergo a major environmental transformation with the installation of 374 leaky dams over the next year. This initiative, managed by the City of London Corporation, is designed to significantly slow down and manage water flow within the forest's waterways.

Caroline Haines, chairwoman of the Epping Forest and Commons Committee, highlighted the dual benefits of the project: protecting homes from flooding while simultaneously fostering an environment where wildlife can thrive. The dams are also anticipated to improve the forest's capacity for carbon storage and enhance overall air quality.

The project is a substantial undertaking, recognized as the largest natural flood management effort of its kind in the south east. It is supported by £200,000 from the Environment Agency and £150,000 from the City of London Corporation's own climate action strategy.