Kenwith Valley flood scheme

Background

More than 250 properties were flooded along Kenwith Stream, with flood depths reaching 1.5 metres in some locations in 1979. This led to the construction of the Kenwith Flood Storage Reservoir by Torridge District Council in 1983, as part of the flood defence scheme. This was adopted by the National Rivers Authority (now Environment Agency) in 1989.

The reservoir overtopped in June 1993, following 26 hours of heavy rain and high tides. This flooded a significant number of residential properties in Bideford. The scheme was then reviewed and improved by raising the reservoir embankment to create more storage capacity.

Reservoir inspections

Under the Reservoirs Act of 1975, reservoirs above 25,000m3 capacity undergo a statutory 10-year inspection. The purpose of the inspection is to identify any requirements needed to maintain and improve the resilience of the structure. 

The latest inspection resulted in 7 mandatory and 5 non-mandatory requirements which the Environment Agency will deliver. These actions are being delivered under one project, split into three phases.

Phase 1: 2021 – 2023

Completed in 2023, phase 1 included culvert joint replacement, site investigations and crest extension works. These investigations fed into phase 2 works. 

Phase 2: 2024 – November 2027

Design and construction of improvement measures to the culvert inlet structure, site drainage and dam controls as well as maintenance around the reservoir structures.

Some preparation work has been completed in 2024 and 2025, including:

• Tree and vegetation clearance
• Site compound set up
• Widening site access point on Northam Road
• Creating a storage area for materials
• Installation of new access track to the north of the inlet structure

Phase 3: Autumn 2027 – finish to be confirmed

Appraisal and outline design is currently underway for works to the secondary storage area. Further details to follow.

Due to the constraints of the site, each of the sections needs to be completed in sequence. We appreciate your patience as we continue this important work.

Latest news from phase 2

Map of Kenwith showing latest project phase work

Inlet work

Work started in March 2026 on the new culvert inlet structure. The crest has been fenced off for the duration of this work.

Drainage work (paused)

The drainage work on the downstream side has been paused to allow the progress of the new inlet structure. This work is planned to be completed in summer 2027.

Secondary storage inlet work

Secondary storage outfall works start in winter 2026.

Please keep an eye on signage in the area, as access may change during this time.

During phase 2 construction:

We may need to restrict parking on Northam Road throughout the construction works to allow access to the site. Access to houses will be permitted.

Road closure: Northam Road

We propose temporarily closing Northam Road for approximately 2 weeks in winter 2026.

• Red line: Closure section on Northam Road (winter 2026). Access to First Raleigh and Marsh Farm will be maintained.
• Blue line: Diversion route during road closure
• Orange line: No parking section: Summer 2024 to Spring 2027.

We will provide exact dates closer to the time.

Map showing road closure

Ecological considerations and mitigation measures

Measures have been taken to ensure the protection of the wildlife in the working areas.

Ecological surveys have been carried out of the nature reserve area, both up and downstream of the dam. This has identified the potential for dormice, bats and otters at the site. The mandatory maintenance works will be carried out under a precautionary method of working, following relevant guidance to carry these works out at the most appropriate time of year. 

Further surveys will be carried out prior to the works to identify the presence of these and other species, with our contractors working under the guidance of ecologists and the agreed precautionary methods of working.

Mitigation measures:

• Installation of new artificial otter holt away from the works areas.
• Where trees are removed, it is the Environment Agency’s policy to replace 5 for every 1 removed to ensure these establish. Replacement planting of 1,000 trees has been completed at the nearby Abbotsham National Trust site.
• The project has an aim to provide environmental enhancements where possible. To achieve this, we are working with our consultants and Torridge District Council to help develop an environmental management plan for the future of the site to help improve the biodiversity of the nature reserve.

Timeline

• 2021 – S10 Inspection
• Summer 2023 – Phase 1 onsite works
• July 2024 – Public information event
• Summer 2024 – Phase 2 compound set up
• Autumn 2024 – Tree and vegetation management
• June 2025 – Start of Phase 2: new drainage
• July 2025 – Public information event Winter 2025: Start of Phase 3 Outline design
• March 2026 – Start of the enabling works for the new inlet structure
• July 2026 – Public information event
• Autumn 2027 – Anticipated phase 2 completion
• Autumn 2027 – Start of phase 3 works
• To be confirmed – Phase 3 completion

Please note that all dates on the timeline are subject to change

Once all the phases of works are completed, the compound and storage areas will be removed and the site returned to its previous state. All construction waste will be removed and the work area returned to its normal condition.

The Environment Agency will continue to operate and maintain the flood storage reservoir, working with Torridge District Council to improve the site wherever possible for ecology.

If you have any questions about this scheme, please contact DCISEnquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk.