Create secures hydraulic modelling contract with Norfolk Rivers Trust

Create are delighted to have been awarded a contract to carry out hydraulic modelling of proposed Natural Flood Management sites in the Thet and Little Ouse catchments as part of the Breckland Farmers Landscape Recovery (BFLR) Pilot Project.

The Landscape Recovery Project is an ambitious initiative spanning 3,552 hectares of the Brecks. It aims to create a mosaic of habitats through the farmed landscape, thereby protecting high-priority species and enhancing degraded ecosystems. It is a joint initiative between the Breckland Farmers Wildlife Network and Norfolk Rivers Trust (NRT). NRT invited competitive tenders for the hydraulic modelling contract, which was awarded on Tuesday 17^th September 2024.

“We are thrilled to have secured this opportunity to work collaboratively alongside NRT. We have a keen interest in Natural Flood Management in the team, having completed modelling of similar interventions elsewhere in the country. So, it’s great to be offered this opportunity to work on catchments local to those of us based in Norfolk. The project will be managed day-to-day by Harry Mansfield, who will operate out of our Norwich office. I can’t wait to see what results Harry and the team produce.”

Graham Sinclair, Technical Director (Water & Flood Risk) at Create Consulting Engineers

The project will involve the modelling of several different Natural Flood Management (NFM) interventions on a variety of sites in both catchments upstream of Thetford. The aims of the exercise will be to test and validate a series of NFM interventions including flood plain reconnection, field drain removal, introduction of woody debris and re-meandering of straightened channel reaches. The goal of these interventions is to promote naturalised channel morphology, improved ecology and reduced flood risk downstream.

Whilst looking at the impact of the proposed interventions on design flood events, we will also be modelling low flows to understand the day-to-day impact of the interventions. In addition, our instruction includes an update to the model hydrology in each catchment to ensure the design flows are in line with current standards, for quick approval by the Environment Agency at the permitting stage. The project is set to be completed by December this year.

“We’re excited to collaborate with Create to develop our river restoration plans for the Thet and Little Ouse rivers with the participating landowners of the BFLR Pilot Project. The proposals aim to enhance river and riparian habitat, improve natural processes, support water attenuation and aquifer recharge, increase carbon storage, mitigate floods, reduce sediment inputs, and improve fish passage. Working closely with Create will allow us to refine our proposals for maximum positive impact for the river, wildlife and people.”

Cassie Chanin, Brecks Rivers Landscape Advisor at Norfolk Rivers Trust