Southend launches first natural flood scheme to protect homes and communities

June 2, 2026

Southend-on-Sea’s first-ever natural flood management scheme has been installed in Belfairs Woods, helping to better protect local homes, roads and businesses from flooding.

The project, delivered by Southend-on-Sea City Council in partnership with Marlborough Highways, Essex Wildlife Trust and the Environment Agency, has introduced six “leaky dams” along a 500-metre stretch of the Prittle Brook as part of the Catchment to Coast programme.

The dams are designed to slow the flow of rainwater during heavy rainfall, reducing sudden surges that can – and have previously – overwhelmed drains, increasing the risk of flooding downstream. By holding water back within the woodland, the scheme helps protect nearby communities and reduce pressure on local infrastructure.

While this is the first time this approach has been used in Southend, similar natural flood management schemes have been successfully used elsewhere in the UK. Bringing this approach to Belfairs Woods marks an important step in how the city responds to more frequent and intense rainfall linked to climate change.

Five of the dams have been constructed using sustainably sourced timber coppiced from Belfairs Woods, maintaining the natural character of the site, while a sixth includes a trial nature-based design using mycelium.

As heavy rainfall events become more common, schemes like this help Southend adapt to climate change, reduce flood risk and protect homes, businesses and local infrastructure while enhancing the green spaces residents value.

This project also reflects a broader approach to civic pride in action – not just taking pride in the city, but actively improving and protecting it. By investing in practical, nature-based solutions like this, the Council is helping to create safer, more resilient neighbourhoods, supporting Southend’s long-term ambition to be a cleaner, greener and more sustainable place to live, work and visit.

Cllr Cheryl Nevin, Cabinet Member for Civic Pride, said: “This is a landmark project for Southend and an important step forward in how we manage flood risk. Being the first scheme of its kind in the city, it shows how we can work with nature to better protect our communities.

“Projects like this are exactly the kind of practical action we want to see more of – improving and protecting the places people care about. That’s what civic pride in action looks like. By slowing the flow of water through Belfairs Woods, we’re helping to reduce the risk of flooding downstream while enhancing one of our most valued green spaces.

“It’s a sustainable approach that will help us build a more resilient Southend for the future.”

The scheme will now be monitored to assess its effectiveness over time, helping to inform future natural flood management projects across Southend.