Northcliffe Dike Natural Flood Management

Enhancing Nature. Reducing Flood Risk. Supporting Our Community.

This project is part of the Aire Rivers Trust’s Better Becks programme. It focuses on improving Northcliffe Woods in Shipley while reducing the risk of flooding downstream.
Low intervention nature-based solutions will slow the flow of water, helping to protect nearby communities while improving the woodland environment

February - May 2026 (Phase 1)

The first phase of work took place following engagement with residents, local stakeholders and the Friends of Northcliffe group. Works were undertaken by skilled contractors with the support of ART volunteers. This collaborative approach helps ensure the work reflects local priorities and can be supported in the long-term. A range of measures have been installed across the woodland:

A newly repaired gravel footpath through woodland

Footpath repair

Footpath drainage improvements, including adjacent bunds and scrapes, were undertaken to reduce erosion and better manage surface water.

Brash lines

Construction of additional brash lines (bundles of cut branches) to slow runoff and trap sediment on slopes encouraging vegetation growth and plant succession.

Logs laid adjacent to a beck to divert the flow

Peak flow diversion logs

Felled trees were strategically positioned across slopes to help redirect water across the slope and slow the flow.

Logs and other woody debris laid in the stream

Woody matter in gullies

Woody material was placed in side streams to mimic natural features and promote biodiversity while slowing water movement.

Leaky barriers

Six leaky barriers were constructed in the channel to hold back water and reduce peak flows

Gaultheria shallon, an invasive non-native species of weed

Invasive species management

A large patch of Gaultheria Shallon, an invasive non-native species from North America, was removed by volunteers and sycamore and beech saplings were removed to reduce competition with native tree species.

What's next? (Phase 2)

Further work is planned from late 2026, including:

Construction of addition brash lines on the south-facing northern slope
Continued monitoring and removal of invasive species such as rhododendron and cherry laurel
Construction of dead hedges around leaky barriers to limit disturbance

This project is made possible thanks to the Environment Agency's Water Environment Improvement Fund

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