Nus Ghani, MP for Wealden, has visited Kiln Wood near Blackboys
She was there to learn about the natural flood management interventions that have been carried out in partnership with Sussex Wildlife Trust, Woodland Trust and the Environment Agency.
Kiln Wood is a small ancient woodland in Blackboys, with two small headwater streams running through it. As part of the Natural Flood Management project, 30 structures such as leaky dam structures, banktop diverters, brash barriers and gully stuffing work have been utilised and strategically placed to slow, store and filter water in the channel and in small floodplain areas during high flows. This prevents communities downstream in Uckfield from floods and provides an important habitat for a range of aquatic species. It is estimated that the Kiln Wood structures will be slowing and storing around 30,000 litres of water per flood event.
The dams are completely natural and built by local volunteers. Sussex Flow Initiative is working with the Woodland Trust and other landowners to identify other sites which are suitable for this type of Natural Flood Management. If you own a local woodland and would like to learn more about using natural woody material, please contact [email protected].
Nus Ghani said: “Looking after our environment is one of the most important matters in Wealden and it was great to meet with representatives from the Sussex Wildlife Trust and the Environment Agency to see the natural flood management interventions at Kiln Wood. I’m grateful to all the fantastic volunteers involved and I’m pleased that we have so many success stories across Wealden, such as the Kiln Wood Natural Flood Management and previously the Eridge Stream habitat project, from the cooperation between local organisations and the Environment Agency. I look forward to working with Sussex Wildlife Trust and the Environment Agency on future projects to improve our environment and enhance natural habitats.”
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