Ringmer’s Flood Fight: Nature to the Rescue!
Ringmer residents in Bishops Close and Green Close have battled frequent flooding when heavy rains swamp underground drains. Now, Lewes District Council and the Ouse and Adur Rivers Trust have teamed up to stop the soggy misery once and for all.
Three New Ponds Hold Back 560,000 Litres of Water
They’ve dug three large ponds between the village cricket pitch and Green Close. These ponds can hold around 560,000 litres of water — easing pressure on drainage and cutting flood risk for 15 homes.
More Than Flood Defence: Wildlife Gets a Boost
Peter King, Director of the Ouse & Adur Rivers Trust, said:
“There are so many benefits of working in harmony with our environment rather than against it. Natural flood management epitomises that philosophy.”
“Not only will the ponds reduce flood risk to 15 homes, but we’re also creating new wildlife habitats by nurturing wetlands, planting 150 metres of hedgerow, and adding 500 pollinator-friendly plants.”
Lewes Spearheads Green Flood Solutions
Lewes District Council, alongside partners like the Sussex Flow Initiative, Woodland Trust, and Environment Agency, is championing natural flood management across the district.
Council Cabinet Member for Sustainability, Matthew Bird, added:
“The work in Ringmer is a brilliant example of nature-based solutions protecting homes, boosting biodiversity, and tackling the climate crisis.”
“We’ve backed similar schemes across the district wherever flooding threatens local residents.”
