Fens2100+

Overview

Fens 2100+ is a new programme of work, launched in summer 2023, to enable the Fens to adapt to the challenges of climate change – both now and into the future. This work will look at the ‘adaptive approach’ needed to manage this catchment to balance the needs of people, the environment and agriculture for the next 100 years.   

This is the place to learn more about how we can work together to develop that adaptive approach to managing flood risk in the Fens.
                                               

The Fens 

The Fens and Coastal lowlands, located across parts of Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire is 5000km2 of historically swamp, marsh and wetland. 

It is an entirely unnatural landscape – we can only live and work here because of the way it is managed by the Environment Agency and Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs). As the Fens and coastal lowlands are very low lying, continuous ‘flood risk management’ is required. Careful management reduces the risk to the local area, including 370,000ha of agricultural land, 400,000 people and 500km of road and rail infrastructure. 

The Fens hold significant agricultural importance as it's home to over 50% of England’s Grade 1 agricultural land providing a fifth of the nation’s crops and a third of its vegetables. Often referred to as the “breadbasket of Britain”, this industry employs 80,000 people in the agricultural food chain. 

What else makes the Fens unique? 

• The location and landscape mean the Fens is at the forefront of climate change, whilst simultaneously managing issues such as sea level rise, drought, and flood risk. 

• The Oxford-Cambridge Arc – a cross-Government portfolio designed to unlock the economic and innovation potential of the area between Oxford and Cambridge with a focus on local growth and technology. 

• Outside of the towns and cities, the Fens has pockets of rural deprivation and social issues associated with a challenging infrastructure. 

Fens 2100+  

Fens 2100+ is a new programme of work, launched in summer 2023, to enable the Fens to adapt to the challenges of climate change – both now and into the future. This work will look at the adaptive approach needed to manage this catchment to balance the needs of people, the environment and agriculture for the next 100 years.  

"Ensure we invest in the right thing, in the right place and at the right time"

Map showing the catchments covered by the Fens 2100+ Programme
 

The aims of Fens 2100+ 

Building on the strategic work completed for the Future Fens Flood Risk Management Baseline Report (2020) for the Great Ouse, the aims are split into 3 projects: 

• By March 2025 develop an Adaptation Investment Decision Making Framework at a landscape scale for the Fens and coastal lowlands, with a planning horizon of 2100+ 

• By March 2027 develop 5 Adaptation Pathway Blueprints at a catchment scale, with a planning horizon of 2050+. By September 2026 develop Investment Plans with a horizon of 2033+ 

• By September 2025 develop Baseline Reports at a catchment scale, covering: East Coast Lowlands, Steeping, Lower Witham, Lower Welland, Lower Nene, and Great Ouse (update to the 2020 report) 

This timeline ensures investment plans are ready in time to inform the next programme of spending on flood risk management – the 2027-2033 Flood & Coastal Erosion Risk Management Investment Plan. 

Read about the current (2021-2027) Flood & Coastal Erosion Risk Management Investment Plan.