Worcestershire Natural Flood Management (NFM) Project in the Wyre Forest.

The aim of this project is to reduce flooding in
the Dowles Brook catchment, by implementing at large number of small scale, natural interventions in upstream areas to help slow the flow of water and hold it back during times of high flows. These measures involve working on the tributaries of the Dowles Brook and could include things such as planting hedges, creating wetland areas. attenuation ponds, leaky dams, soll aeration and other land management techniques

The intention is to slow the flood peak on the
Dowdes so it does not coincide with the flood
peak on the River Severn at Bewdley.

Water moving at speed through the landscape is incredibly destructive and leads to erosion, soil loss and widespread damage, therefore slowing down the water has a wealth of positive impacts.

It is the intention that many more features will be installed over the riext few years with the aim of slowing the flow throughout the catchment.

If you would like more information, or are
a landowner who is keen to get involved.
please contact the NFM Project Officer al
Worcestershire County Council.
worcestershire.gov.uk/NFM

Natural Flood Management - Leaky Dams

Trees are sourced from the immediate stream side and used to build a lattice. Over time, especially in high flow, smaller woody debris accumulates naturally, and this increases the effectiveness of the leaky dam.

The dars are wedged behind living tree stumps to prevent them moving or floating away, over time they bed in and naturalise as part of the landscape.

Leaky dams work with nature, providing a food source and habitat for wildlife. This timber lattice allows wildlife, such as fish, to move freely upstream and downstream.

Leaky dams are constructed to allow free passage of water in normal flows, and only hold water back when required during high rainfall. The backed up water is pushed out of the channel into appropriate sites upstream where silts are deposited.

A single structure has little impact, but a series of leaky dams at various locations can help reduce the risk of flooding downstream.

Felling by the river bank allows more sunlight to reach the watercourse and its banks. This leads to the growth of marginal vegetation, creating further food sources and habitats for wildlife.

Rambling Rosie

July 6, 2025

The Wyre Forest Beaver enclosure is worth stopping at. Can't guarantee to see any but you never know 😁

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Elevation 60 m

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Thursday 30 October

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Max wind speed: 6.0 km/h

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Location: Rock, Wyre Forest, Worcestershire, West Midlands Region, England, United Kingdom

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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The Forest Cafe

Ruskin Land

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Bewdley Bridge and Historic Riverside Port

Burlish Top Nature Reserve

Village Tea Room and Post Office, Hampton Loade

Arley Arboretum and Gardens

View of Abberley Village and Clock Tower from Abberley Hill

Kinver Edge

Trimpley Reservoir

Wall Pool

Worcestershire Natural Flood Management Project – Leaky Dams in Wyre Forest

1. Wyre Forest – Gruffalo Statues loop from Callow Hill

2. Wyre Forest – Knowles Mill loop from Bewdley

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