March 25th, 2026.



A series of natural flood management measures has been completed across Hoath Wood near Newhaven and Peacehaven Golf Course, strengthening climate resilience in the area.

The project is a collaboration between Lewes District Council, the Ouse and Adur Rivers Trust, Peacehaven Golf Course and the Sussex Wildlife Trust.

These latest measures build on the successful work carried out last autumn and form part of a wider programme to slow, store and filter surface water following heavy rainfall.

Councillor Emily O’Brien, Cabinet Member for Climate, Nature and Food Systems, explained: “These natural flood management measures show what can be achieved when landowners, environmental experts and local authorities work together. My thanks to all our partners for their commitment and collaboration in delivering this important work.

“Not only are we reducing flood risk for the benefit of residents, we’re also creating richer habitats and improving the health of our landscapes. It’s exactly the kind of practical, nature-led climate action that our district needs.”

Over the winter months, partners installed a series of natural features designed to slow, store and filter surface water following heavy rainfall, helping reduce downstream flood risk and create healthier habitats. Work completed includes a 100-metre extension of woodland edge planting, designed to slow the rate at which surface water enters the drainage network while providing a stronger wildlife corridor between Hoath Wood and Bollens Bush.

Multiple large woody leaky barriers have been installed to intercept water along natural flow paths, temporarily holding back rainfall before it enters faster-moving channels.

New scrapes, shallow pools that store rainwater, have been created to provide temporary storage areas that fill during storm events and naturally drain or evaporate over time. These features will gradually develop into diverse wetland habitats, improving local biodiversity.

Four new check dams have also been constructed within the ditch network, slowing fast-flowing water while still ensuring the golf course continues to drain effectively. Check dams are small, low structures built across ditches or channels to slow down fast-moving water and help reduce erosion.

Together with earlier works, the landscape now includes a cross-slope hedgerow, new scrapes, more than 30 leaky barriers and multiple check dams, all contributing to improved natural flood management capacity.

Rachel Paget, Head of Rivers and Catchments at Ouse & Adur Rivers Trust, said: “We are working strategically to provide natural flood management solutions at scale, based on data and evidence, across the catchment. In urban areas, we are creating a network of rain gardens and small wetlands and in rural areas our focus is on slowing the flow with ditch blocking, leaky dams, storage scrapes and supporting the installation of rainwater harvesting systems on farm infrastructure.”

Neil Gearing, Course Manager at Peacehaven Golf & Fitness, said: “We are pleased to support this important project and contribute to its long-term success. The creation of the hedge linking Hoath Wood and Bollens Bush will, once established, form a vital wildlife corridor between the two woodlands, enhancing local biodiversity. In addition, it will provide a natural physical barrier for the golf course, helping to address ongoing issues with anti-social behaviour and damage in that area.

“We are particularly encouraged that all work has been carried out with careful consideration to minimise any impact on the golf course and its players, ensuring the project delivers environmental and community benefits without disruption.”

Further installations are planned for spring, including additional check dams to slow water movement and increase temporary storage during periods of heavy rainfall.



Pictured (l to r):  Harriet Trueman of Sussex Wildlife Trust; Rachel Paget, of Ouse and Adur Rivers Trust; Neil Gearing of Peacehaven Golf Course; Councillor Mark Slater and Councillor Emily O’Brien.