View photos of what we’ve been up to in the gallery…
A key recommendation of the Halcrow report following the 2007 flooding was that watercourses should be regularly maintained.
The watercourse volunteers worked hard after the 2013 flooding to make sure the town and its watercourses were cleared of debris so that ditches and dykes were fit for purpose and that we have an environment we can be proud of knowing that we have done our best to help reduce the risk of flooding.
We’re hugely grateful for all the many hours of hard work by the lovely volunteers including residents who brought refreshments for the volunteers.
If you want to help with clearing debris, do be aware
- it’s necessary to find out who are the riparian owners and gain their permission well in advance
- advise the riparian owners that you will be using SFF tools, gloves and equipment
- agree with the riparian owners where to leave and dispose of any debris, when it’ll be removed and by whom
Riparian Ownership of Potwell Dyke upstream from confluence with the River Greet
- Upton Road to Newark Road bridge is managed by Trent Valley Internal Drainage Board.
- Newark Road bridge to Potwell Close footbridge and Shady Lane bridge to Church Street bridge is private property of Riparian Owners.
- From the bends upstream of Church Street bridge, to the bridge in the corner of the War Memorial park nearest The Minster School is managed by the Town Council.
- Nottingham Road area of Potwell Dyke plus Springfield and Brackenhurst Dumbles is mostly managed by Notts County Council.
- Potwell Dyke from Lees Field to footbridge beside Holy Trinity Church and upstream to the Halloughton Road culvert and then to the confluence with the Intake Dumble is managed by Riparian Owners.
- From Potwell Dyke confluence with The Intake Dumble and through Westhorpe to Top Town Pond, is also the private property of Riparian Owners and County Council.
Southwell Trail ditches
The Cess Ditch, part of which was lined with concrete as part of the Southwell Flood Alleviation Scheme runs from Station Road to Archers Field and the Maltkiln Ditch further along beside the Trail towards Maythorne. This is managed by The Countryside Officer, Country Parks and Green Estate Services, Notts County Council and Friends of Southwell Trail.
If you wish to be involved in any future debris clearing sessions, environmental bio-diversity projects such as removing invasive species and helping on various projects, contact us or The Friends of Southwell Trail.
The Potwell Dyke clearing project
In 2014 the Potwell Dyke clearing project won a silver award and a Judge’s award in the medium town category in the East Midlands in Bloom, for “for taking on such a complex project”
Monitors
There are river monitors in the Potwell Dyke on Halloughton Road and at Park Lodge near the Minster School. The Southwell Flood Forum and Road Closure Wardens have access to the readings which give alerts when the levels start to rise.
