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RP33: Large leaky woody dams
Find out about eligibility and requirements for the large leaky woody dams item.
How much will be paid
£764.42 for each dam
Where to use this item
Available for Higher Tier and woodland creation grant
Only:
- in catchments targeted for flood risk measures
- for dams in streams and river channels between 3m and 5m
- where approved by the Environment Agency or Lead Local Flood Authority
How this item will benefit the environment
Leaky woody dams will slow the movement of water and help push flows onto the floodplain during floods. This will increase temporary storage of flood waters within water channels and out on to the floodplain, help delay the passage of flood water downstream, allow sediment to settle out, and reduce downstream flood risk.
Requirements
Agreement holders will need to:
- follow the indicative drawings in the Higher Tier manual Annex 2c for maximum effectiveness
- construct the dam from logs large enough to span the water channel and out on to the floodplain to provide a stable and long-lasting structure
- secure the dam in line with the requirements of the Environment Agency or Lead Local Flood Authority
- align dams at right angles to channel banks to reduce bank scour
- build dams to allow low flows to pass unimpeded at all times
- site dams on slow flowing reaches of the water course that have on average 2m of floodplain on either side
- build dams to a height sufficient to encourage water to spread onto the floodplain upstream of the dam
- build dams in series (minimum 3 dams) at a spacing between dams of about 5-7 times the width of the channel
- make sure dams are not installed directly upstream of pinch points such as bridges or culverts that back up flows and are likely to swamp the dam
- check and maintain dams to keep the structure effective
- follow the requirements set out in any Feasibility Study or CSF Design Plan
Keeping records
Agreement holders will need to keep the following records and supply them on request:
- any consents or permissions connected with the work
- receipted invoices, or bank statements where a receipted invoice is unavailable
- a copy of any feasibility study, or woodland management plan where applicable
- please see the record keeping and inspection requirements as set out in the Higher Tier manual for more detail
Agreement holders will need to keep the following records and supply them with the claim:
- photographs of the site during the different stages of the construction or build; or contracts, invoices or other documents confirming the technical specification for the completed works
- photographs of the completed works in place and installed
Before applying, applicants must seek advice from the Environment Agency and where relevant the Lead Local Flood Authority to check if consent is required to carry out the planned work.
Applicants will have to send the following with their application:
- a copy of any advice or consent received from the EA, and (where relevant) the Lead Local Flood Authority
- photographs of the existing site
- a copy of the Feasibility Study or CSF design plan (Water-Holding Feature Management Plan where applicable)
Advice and suggestions for how to carry out this item
The following section gives advice on carrying out this item successfully but does not form part of the requirements for this item.
Detailed design can vary and the siting of leaky woody dams in natural water courses will be dictated by local circumstances and availability of or easy access to import suitable materials to site. Higher Tier manual Annex 2c has details of indicative design of dams.
Check the dams for silt
The dam will need to be checked and may need de-silted regularly to prevent it collecting large amounts of silt.
Further information
The management of water on the land can be improved by using Rural Sustainable Drainage Systems (RSuDS). See the guide to RSuDS for more information.
Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) operates in parts of the country where there are water quality issues linked to farming. The scheme provides farmers with free advice and training. See guidance for further information on CSF support.
See the Higher Tier manual to find out more about the scheme and how to apply.
Last updated 18 September 2017 + show all updates
- Capital item now includes woodland.
- First published.