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Villages in Newark and Sherwood have received a significant boost to their flood defences and local wildlife habitats, thanks to two Natural Flood Management (NFM) schemes in Ompton and Oxton.

The schemes, jointly funded by Nottinghamshire County Council and the Environment Agency at a cost of £231,000, were developed by the council’s Flood Risk Management Team in close collaboration with local landowners and delivery partner L A Sharpe. By using practical ideas that harness the power of nature, these schemes aim to slow the movement of water across land, reduce flooding and support the local environment.

In Ompton, the first phase of the £133,000 scheme saw the creation of new ponds that connect to the area’s streams and watercourses. These ponds capture excess rainwater and provide vital wetland habitats for birds and other wildlife even during periods of dry weather.  Leaky barriers (constructed from wooden logs) have also been installed, acting as natural dams to slow water down and help protect the village during heavy rainfall.

In addition, banks of earth (known as bunds) have been built to temporarily hold back surface water and trap sediment. This not only helps to keep water clear but also lessens the risk of downstream blockages. Ditches and streams have also been reshaped to create small floodplains which also offer vital new habitats for local species.

The next phase of the scheme, planned for late autumn 2025, will involve creating a large wetland area in the upper catchment of Ompton. This will further enrich local biodiversity and increase water storage capacity, providing even greater reduction in flood risk.

The village of Oxton has also seen big changes as part of a £98,000 scheme, with nearly fifty different natural flood management features added in the upper catchment of the village. These include more leaky barriers, earth bunds and reshaped streams—all carefully placed to catch runoff water and cope with heavy downpours more effectively.

Both schemes were introduced as a direct response to the floods of October 2023 when, in just a few days, 124mm of rainfall was recorded at the nearby Staythorpe gauge and 80mm at the Calverton gauge.  Between 18 and 20 October, five homes in Ompton and 29 properties in Oxton experienced internal flooding, while many others faced waterlogged gardens and outbuildings.

Councillor Bert Bingham, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, said:

“The efforts to strengthen Ompton and Oxton’s flood defences and support wildlife habitats are the result of genuine collaboration after the difficult floods of October 2023.

“I want to thank the local landowners for their willingness to work with us and our partners who have helped us to introduce these natural flood management measures. Together, we’ve taken important steps not only to better protect homes but also to restore and enhance the natural environment.

“I look forward to seeing these improvements continue to benefit both the community and local wildlife in years to come.”