Datchet to Hythe End Flood Improvement Measures - Environmental considerations and surveys

Overview

• Page 1 - Welcome
• Page 2 - Background of the Datchet to Hythe End Flood Improvement Measures
• Page 3 - Scheme Information
• Page 4 - Potential Measures
• Page 5 - Environmental considerations and surveys
• Page 6 - Flood Risk
• Page 7 - Public Engagement

Environmental considerations

The River Thames Corridor is a very special natural resource that provides an environmentally valuable landscape that is rich in flora, fauna, recreational opportunities and historically important areas. Within the area of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead there are many environmentally and historically sensitive sites which should be protected and enhanced.

Photos of local environmental sites

Constraints and opportunities

• Numerous historic and environmentally sensitive sites including Windsor Castle, the Royal Estate of Windsor Great Park and Windsor Forest.

• Internationally important Special Protection Area and Ramsar sites e.g. Southwest London Waterbodies.

• Nationally important Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) e.g. Wraysbury Gravel Pits.

• Other sensitive areas including many Local Wildlife Sites, Ancient Woodlands, several other SSSIs, listed buildings, Registered Parks and Gardens as well as Local Nature Reserves.

Potential requirements

It is likely that a full planning application and statutory Environmental Impact Assessment will be required, depending on the flood risk management works taken forward.

Other consents and assessments (e.g. Habitat Regulations Assessment) are likely to be required as any works are likely to impact on nationally and internationally designated sites.

We will carry out protected species surveys where required and will meet the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirement.

Ground investigations

We are building upon the evidence-base gathered for the River Thames Scheme. We will be carrying out further ground investigations to gain a more comprehensive understanding of groundwater levels and ground conditions and their variability across the Thames floodplain. We will be using this information to help appraise measures to reduce flood risk.

Photo of a typical ground investigation borehole rig

Next page: Flood risk