The Adur Adaptation Project is an exciting collaboration between the Ouse & Adur Rivers Trust, Environment Agency, and West Sussex County Council. Through this ongoing project we aim to inspire a partnership approach to working with natural processes which improves the condition and function of the River Adur. The core objectives of the project are, through the use of Nature Based Solutions, to;
Reduce the impact of flooding to property and infrastructure
Achieve a 10% reduction in peak flows at Bramber during heavy rainfall.
Create drought resilience through increasing annual base flow recharge
Enhance the river and floodplain environment through diversifying in-channel and riparian habitats.
Deliver tangible improvements to water quality through alterations to land management and the creation of integrated constructed wetlands.
Create a nature recovery network focused on rivers and wetlands, which boosts biodiversity across the whole catchment.
Since 2021, the Ouse & Adur Rivers Trust have been working closely with landowners, farmers, and communities to identify where flooding and ‘wet-spots’ occur throughout the River Adur Catchment. This collaborative approach has identified numerous opportunities for Natural Flood Management (NFM) initiatives that could help alleviate flood risk to the most vulnerable properties in the area.
Working With Natural Processes
Working with natural processes is based on the principle of working with the river system and its floodplains to slow and store water, enhance soil quality and improve water quality, in a more natural way. This can provide multiple benefits to landowners, farmers, communities, and wildlife through periods of both heavy rainfall and drought.
Using Data & Evidence
We will be taking a strategic approach, based on the outputs of computer modelling and hydrological monitoring, to ensure the right intervention in the right place. The project is installing flow gauging equipment on each sub-catchment, allowing us to understand how each section of the river responds to rainfall and where targeted reductions in flow should be focused.
Options for Landowners
The great thing about long term projects with big ambition is that a wide range of options are open across all landholdings, public spaces, and even individual gardens. Our experienced team is offering advice to all those who live within the river catchment across a range of options which meet the vision of those who own land and deliver the objectives of the project. These options include:
Tree & Hedgerow Planting
Construction of Leaky Dams
In-channel Habitat Restoration
Major River Restoration such as reinstating the natural course of the channel or removing barriers to fish passage.
Reconnecting Rivers and Floodplains.
Small-scale in-field habitats such as scrapes and ponds to store water and provide on-site habitat.
Large areas of wetland creation
Sediment traps and other nature-based solutions to improve water quality.
Contact our Catchment Officer - [email protected] - to find out more and arrange a visit.
Our Partners
This project is a partnership with the Environment Agency and West Sussex County Council who are providing funding and technical support. Individual projects have also received funding from a wide range of organisations and businesses including BuPA, Wilder Horsham, and the Woodland Trust.
We are always keen to welcome new partners and collaborators to our projects, for more information on how you can get involved please get in touch or visit our donations page and make a valuable contribution to the restoration of the River Adur