Boxford’s Leaky Dams
We’re excited to share that four leaky dams have now been successfully installed in the upper catchment of Boxford, marking a significant milestone in our Reclaim the Rain project. These natural flood management features, made from locally sourced wood, are now in place and already working to slow the flow of water through the landscape.
This idea was first proposed by the Boxford working group during the early stages of community consultation, and we’re proud to have brought it to life alongside other interventions developed in collaboration with local residents.
Leaky dams offer a wide range of benefits. By temporarily holding back water during heavy rainfall, they reduce peak flows and ease pressure on downstream drainage systems. This not only helps lower flood risk but also allows more moisture to soak into the soil which helps retention of moisture during dry periods, benefiting vegetation and reducing drought stress across the catchment. It also improves water quality by filtering sediment and pollutants and creates better habitat in stream for invertebrates and amphibians.
To better understand the impact of these installations, we’re conducting pre- and post-installation monitoring. This will help us gather valuable data on soil moisture and water quality, allowing us to measure the benefits over time.
The leaky dams complement our wider work in Boxford, including pond restoration and the planting of willow trees. Together, these efforts form a joined-up approach to managing water sustainably, enhancing Boxford’s resilience to both flooding and drought.
