September 30th, 2025.



Lewes District Council, in partnership with the Ouse and Adur Rivers Trust and Sussex Wildlife Trust, has implemented a series of natural flood management measures at Hoath Wood near Newhaven.

The collaborative project has introduced leaky dams and enhanced scrapes - shallow pools that store rainwater - throughout Hoath Wood. These natural interventions are designed to slow the flow of water and reduce surface water runoff. Leaky dams, constructed from branches and twigs strategically placed across channels and flow paths, help retain water in the landscape, mimicking natural processes to mitigate flood risk.

Earlier this year, Ouse and Adur Rivers Trust led a successful volunteer day in Hoath Wood to maintain existing leaky dams and install new ones across identified flow paths. The event brought together community members in a hands-on effort to support local climate adaptation and ecological restoration.

Councillor Emily O’Brien, Cabinet Member for Climate, Nature and Food Systems, explains: "This is a fantastic example of how nature-based solutions can deliver real benefits for our communities and ecosystems. By working with our partners and volunteers, we’re not only reducing flood risk, but also enhancing biodiversity and building resilience to climate change across the district.

“The council is leading the way with a commitment to nature-led approaches to flood management across our district, which help both our communities and our wildlife respond to the changes we are seeing in our climate, including extremes of both drought and heavy rainfall.”

Further opportunities for natural flood management have been identified across Hoath Wood, and works are planned in conjunction with Peacehaven Golf Course to help reduce surface water run-off.


Pictured: Cllr Emily O’Brien (centre) with the team responsible for natural flood management in Hoath Wood