Long term plan for flood washes

Climate change and alterations to river catchment areas will all be considered within an Environment Agency project for South Holland

The scheme will be developed over the next three years, and is being led by the Environment Agency.
The Cowbit and Crowland Washes haven’t been fully utilised because the Welland system has been significantly changed since their construction.
A major upgrade was carried out after the 1947 floods when a series of measures were carried out, including the construction of the Coronation Channel, raising Cradge Bank and piling and dredging the River Welland from Cowbit Road sluices to Locks Mill.
The agency will be working with a number of stakeholders in a series of ‘structured interviews’ but there has been a delay due to the recent flooding issues.
“We have been working with Welland and Deepings, North Level and South Holland Internal Drainage Boards to mitigate the impacts of the flooding to the landowners within the Flood Storage Reservoir,” said a spokesman for the agency.
“Wider engagement with all interested parties will follow in due course.”
The estimated project cost of £6.7m includes construction and will be determined in detail when a preferred option has been decided.
It is a long term project to look at the future operation of the Washes.