The Environment agency are implementing a scheme to improve the flood defenses along the river Nadder between Waldron's Farm and the Harnham recreation ground. This work is to upgrade and repair the existing flood defenses to withstand a one in 200 year flood event. During this work, a large section of the meadow will be closed off and no access to the river bank is possible. One section of the Meadow is to be used as a construction site for the project and a safe storage area for some of the heavy plant required for the project.

On the 3rd October 2008 there was a guided walk around the construction site to allow local people to see what was being done. Representatives of the construction company and the Environment Agency led the walk. We were shown the new flood bank, which is being constructed across the meadow behind the football pitch, and the wetland area which is designed to act as a filter bed for the surface water from Churchfields industrial estate. Reeds and other water plants are to be planted to aid the filter process. The wetland area is being constructed with islands to attract water birds and, on one side a raised bank for water voles.

Above - Local residents viewing the new wetland area which is under construction.

 

 

Left - The wetland area, showing the surface water outfall from Churchfields industrial estate.