Action to tackle flooding in the Pix Brook catchment has begun at Etonbury Woods, with the removal of a disused footbridge marking the first visible step in a wider ‘Slow the Flow’ programme of work.
We are working in partnership with Hertfordshire County Council and other organisations through the ResilienTogether programme – a Defra-funded initiative exploring new and innovative approaches to flood risk management across the Pix Brook catchment.
Initial activity on site has included soil sampling, ecological surveys, minor vegetation management, and the removal of a disused pedestrian bridge near the A507.
The bridge has been closed for several years and is no longer in use. Its removal will enable planned river and woodland improvement works to be carried out safely. The bridge will be repurposed for use elsewhere within the public rights of way network, ensuring it continues to provide value.
The wider scheme will use natural processes to slow the flow of water through the woodland, helping water to spread and be temporarily stored during periods of heavy rainfall. This reduces the speed and volume of water moving downstream, with the aim of helping to manage flood risk in nearby communities including Arlesey and Stotfold.
Subject to final consents, the main phase of works is expected to begin in the coming weeks and will involve reshaping steep sections of the riverbank to create gentler slopes, increasing the amount of water that can be temporarily stored. Reconnecting the brook to its natural floodplain, timber ‘leaky barriers’ will also be installed within the brook, which allows normal water flow but temporarily holds back higher flows during storms.
Alongside flood risk benefits, the project will support improvements to the woodland itself. This includes new planting and the selective removal and management of trees, including those affected by ash dieback disease, helping to create a more resilient and diverse habitat better suited to wet woodland conditions.
Etonbury Woods will remain open to the public during the works, although some areas and paths may be temporarily diverted to ensure public safety. We will provide clear signage on site and continue to keep residents and users informed as the project progresses.
Cllr Adam Zerny, Leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, said:
This project is an important step in using natural processes to help reduce flood risk in our communities while enhancing Etonbury Woods for the future.
We know how valued this space is by local residents, so we want to reassure people that these early works – including the removal of the long-closed bridge - are part of a carefully planned scheme to deliver long-term benefits for both people and nature.
By slowing the flow of water through the woodland and restoring more natural river features, we can help better protect nearby communities while creating a healthier, more resilient environment. We are committed to keeping residents informed as the project progresses and to minimising disruption wherever possible.