Gatwick wetland stores 600,000 litres of water

A new wetland capable of storing up to 600,000 litres of water has been created near Gatwick Airport as part of efforts to reduce flood risk and make the landscape more resilient during prolonged dry weather.

The South East Rivers Trust has completed the latest phase of a natural flood management project across the Upper Mole catchment, funded by London Gatwick through its Decade of Change sustainability programme.

The work has involved creating the wetland and reconnecting 100 metres of river to its natural floodplain across two sites.

The wetland will collect rainfall and surface water before gradually releasing it downstream. Restoring the floodplain will also give water more room to spread out and be temporarily stored during periods of heavy rain.

Project leaders say the measures could reduce pressure on downstream communities during storms, while helping to retain water in the landscape during hot and dry conditions.

The work is also expected to improve habitats for local wildlife.

The latest phase, carried out between July 2025 and June 2026, included the installation of more than 50 leaky barriers made from natural materials such as logs and branches.

The barriers allow normal river flows to pass through but slow and temporarily hold back water during heavier rainfall.

A 100-metre hedgerow containing 400 native trees has also been planted, while two additional landowners have joined the project.

Rainfall, river levels and water clarity are being monitored to help experts understand how water moves through the catchment.

George Biggs, Project Officer at the South East Rivers Trust, said: “During the current hot and dry weather, it can be difficult to imagine how quickly heavy rainfall can create problems for our rivers and local communities.

“The Upper Mole responds very rapidly when it rains, with water moving quickly through the catchment. By restoring wetlands, reconnecting rivers with their floodplains and installing leaky barriers, we can give that water more space and more time.

“These measures help create a healthier, more resilient landscape that is better prepared for both very wet and very dry conditions. They also provide valuable new habitats for wildlife.

“The Upper Mole is a particularly responsive river system because of its clay soils, modified channels and surrounding urban development. Water can travel rapidly downstream during heavy rainfall, increasing flood risk and putting pressure on water quality and river habitats.

“Natural flood management works with the landscape to address these challenges closer to their source by slowing, storing and filtering water.”

Mark Edwards, Head of Sustainability at London Gatwick, said: “This important initiative, delivered in partnership with the South East Rivers Trust, is a vital part of London Gatwick’s Decade of Change sustainability programme.

“This partnership is a great example of bringing together technical expertise, landowners and local knowledge to deliver practical measures that support biodiversity, water quality and climate resilience. It demonstrates how London Gatwick can support enhancing the local area outside the airport.”

Further work is now being planned across the Upper Mole catchment.

Proposals include restoring an old pond, installing more leaky barriers, designing another wetland and expanding the scheme into another of the Upper Mole’s six waterbodies.

The Trust also intends to continue monitoring the completed measures and hold community events to raise awareness of the river and natural flood management.

The long-term aim is to expand the work across the Upper Mole and demonstrate how nature-based measures could help restore other urban river headwaters across the South East.

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