The Environment Agency has shared its latest monthly information update with parish councils, designed to help us pass useful guidance on to our community.
This month’s topic looks at dredging and desilting, two methods used to keep rivers flowing properly.
Over time, rivers naturally collect silt, gravel, and other materials which can slow the flow of water.
- Dredging is a larger, less frequent operation that removes deeper or longstanding material from a riverbed.
- Desilting is a smaller, more regular task that removes recent silt build‑up.
The Environment Agency explains when and why each method is used, how it fits into wider flood‑risk management, and the environmental considerations involved. They have provided a detailed factsheet which we have made available for residents to read (see images below)
If you would like more information about flood preparedness or riparian responsibilities, please follow the links provided in the factsheet or contact the Environment Agency directly.
