Policy paper

Bourne Ditch (Spitalfields): flood storage area

Updated 27 August 2024

Applies to England

© Crown copyright 2024

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bourne-ditch-spitalfields-reservoir/bourne-ditch-spitalfields-reservoir

The Bourne Ditch flood storage area is north of Spital meadow, in Spitalfields, Windsor on land owned by Crown Estates.

It acts as a balancing reservoir. The flood storage area:

  • is made up of approximately 835 metres of earth embankment which runs north of the Bourne Ditch River
  • includes 2 passive control structures used to control the flow of water downstream
  • is usually empty and used for recreational activities such as dog walking
  • can fill quickly during a flood event and store up to approximately 190,000 cubic meters of water

Under flood conditions water is held back by the control structures and embankments. Once water reaches a certain level, it is then released downstream in a controlled manner. The control structures are passive, so we do not need to go and operate them to gradually release the water.

The flood storage area reduces flood risk to properties downstream including:

  • Bourne Avenue
  • Bolton Road
  • St Leonard’s Road

The Environment Agency is the undertaker and maintains this flood storage area.

We are looking into options to further reduce flood risk in this area as part of the Datchet to Hythe End flood improvement measures.

View of the Bourne Ditch (Spitalfields) flood storage area shown dry. Photo courtesy of the Environment Agency.

View of the Bourne Ditch (Spitalfields) flood storage area shown storing flood water. Photo courtesy of the Environment Agency.

1. Find out if you are at risk of flooding

To stay aware of the risk of flooding in your area, sign up for flood alerts and warnings. For more information visit the Flooding and extreme weather page or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188.

Visit the Met Office website for local weather forecasts.

2. Contact

For further information, or to provide feedback contact:

If you are concerned about a pollution incident or a blockage in the river, call the Environment Agency’s 24-hour hotline on 0800 80 70 60.

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