Datchet to Hythe End Flood Improvement Measures - Potential Measures

This would improve conveyance within existing open areas of the floodplain, to divert flow away from areas at risk. This type of measure could include smaller scale interventions such as removing obstructions from overland flow routes or installing pipes to allow water to flow  away from ponded areas, or larger scale measures like a flood relief channel.

Before

After

This would involve making changes to the existing River Thames channels to provide extra capacity to allow water to flow away from areas at risk. This could be achieved by modifying existing structures in the river such as gates or weirs, or by reprofiling the river channel.

Before

After

This would involve holding back water in a flood storage area during high flows and then releasing it under controlled conditions when the downstream river levels are reduced (making space for the water). This type of measure could include local flood storage, or storage across the whole upstream catchment such as that currently being considered in various locations as part of the Thames Valley Flood Scheme.

These types of measure would need to be implemented on a larger catchment-wide scale and would help protect, restore and emulate the natural functions of catchments, floodplains and rivers. This type of measure could include interventions close to the project area and across the whole upstream catchment, as is currently being considered as part of the Thames Valley Flood Scheme.

Before land management

After land management

Before woodland planting

After woodland planting

These measures focus on ways to improve:

• Public awareness and education
• Flood warning and emergency response
• Development control and land-use planning

Before

After

This would involve the construction of engineered raised structures such as embankments or walls to provide a physical barrier between floodwater and communities (including properties and infrastructure). In some cases, it may be necessary to install pumps or install a cutoff barrier below the surface to limit the amount of groundwater flowing under the defences.