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PROJECTS
River Tas Forncett Natural Flood Management (NFM) and River Restoration Project
Services
Natural Flood Management
Partnership Working
Partners
Environment Agency
IDB Storm Recovery & Asset Improvement Scheme
Start & Completion
Autumn 2025
The River Tas Forncett Natural Flood Management (NFM) and River Restoration Project was a partnership project between the Environment Agency and Norfolk Rivers Internal Drainage Board (IDB). The aim was to reduce flood risk while restoring valuable chalk stream and floodplain habitats. Developed as part of wider work across the Tas catchment, the project takes a catchment-based approach that works with natural processes to deliver benefits for people, wildlife and the environment.
Located at Forncett St Peter, the scheme was selected following feasibility and design work undertaken during 2023/24. The project combines natural flood management and river restoration measures to improve the way the river and floodplain function, funded through the IDB Storm Recovery & Asset Improvement Scheme.
Project Overview
The project focused on restoring natural river and floodplain processes to help reduce flood risk and improve habitats. Historic dredging embankments were removed to reconnect the River Tas with its floodplain, allowing floodwater to spread naturally away from properties during high flows. Former river meanders were also reconnected, restoring approximately 350 metres of channel and increasing floodplain storage capacity.
Additional wetland scrapes were created to enhance habitat diversity, while a floodwater attenuation feature was developed to capture and slow surface water runoff from surrounding farmland. The scheme was delivered through close collaboration between the Environment Agency, Norfolk Rivers IDB, local landowners and the community, ensuring a cost-effective and practical solution that works with natural processes.
Benefits
The project does more than reduce flood risk. By reconnecting the river to its floodplain and restoring wetland habitats, it supports important environments like chalk streams, floodplain grazing marsh and lowland fen, as well as species such as Desmoulin’s Whorl Snail.
Allowing the floodplain to function more naturally helps trap sediment, improve water quality, and make the ecosystem more resilient during droughts and extreme weather.
The scheme also helps the area adapt to climate change by helping to reduce flood risk and provides wider benefits, including improved access to the public footpath through the site.
Project photos
