New Wetland Near Gatwick To Store 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 a major project to reduce flood risk and improve the environment.

The latest phase of the Upper Mole Natural Flood Management project has been completed by the South East Rivers Trust, with funding from London Gatwick through its Decade of Change sustainability programme.

The work is designed to help the landscape cope with both heavy rainfall and extended periods of dry weather by slowing, storing and naturally filtering water before it reaches rivers downstream.

The project comes as southern England experiences another spell of hot, dry weather, underlining the importance of keeping water in the landscape for longer rather than allowing it to flow away quickly.

Across two sites in the Upper Mole catchment, a new wetland has been created alongside 100 metres of river being reconnected to its natural floodplain.

The wetland will collect rainfall and surface water before gradually releasing it, while reconnecting the river to its floodplain allows water to spread out during periods of heavy rain.

The measures are expected to reduce flood pressure on communities downstream, improve water quality and create new habitats for wildlife.

As part of the latest phase, completed between July 2025 and June 2026, more than 50 leaky barriers have also been installed to slow the movement of water through the landscape.

Around 400 native trees have been planted as part of a new 100-metre hedgerow, while two additional landowners have joined the project.

The Trust has also been monitoring rainfall, river levels and water quality to better 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.

"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, while also providing valuable new habitats for wildlife."

Mark Edwards, Head of Sustainability at London Gatwick, said the scheme demonstrates how partnerships can deliver practical environmental improvements beyond the airport itself.

Further work is already being planned, including restoring an old pond, creating another wetland, installing more leaky barriers and expanding the project into other parts of the Upper Mole catchment.

Community engagement events will also be held to raise awareness of natural flood management and the importance of protecting local rivers.

The long-term ambition is to use the project as a model for restoring other urban river headwaters across the South East.