Working in partnership with the Environment Agency, Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs), Lead Local Flood Authorities and other local stakeholders, we’re helping undertake pioneering work to transfer management of local assets back to local delivery bodies as part of the implementation of the Isle of Axholme Flood Risk Management Strategy.

Located in a largely rural area of South Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and North Nottinghamshire in the UK, the Isle of Axholme is artificially drained by a complex network of drains and over 60 pumping stations. Reducing the risk of flooding to around 28,000 properties, critical infrastructure and over 30,000 hectares of high grade agricultural land, the strategy identified that a present value capital investment of £204 million into the ageing assets would be needed to continue suitable protection and ensure the long term economic prosperity of the area.

Collaborating closely with the project partners, we are undertaking innovative work to remove watercourses from main river status and transfer pumping station assets from the Environment Agency to local delivery bodies, predominantly the IDBs. Working to overcome legal, financial and operational challenges we are leading the way in establishing processes for Defra’s national ‘Rationalising the Main River Network’ initiative.

We are also helping develop a capital programme and sustainable funding strategy, progressing flood modelling and mapping and supporting comprehensive stakeholder engagement activities to ensure successful implementation of the strategy that will help improve water level and flood risk management for the benefit of the local community and economy.