Flood Risk in Nottingham

Situated on an area of low hills along the lower valley of the River Trent, Nottingham has a long history of flooding, dating as far back as 1683, and flood risk across the city and surrounding areas has been extensively researched and surveyed. Utilising some of this data, we aim to provide an overview of flood risk in Nottingham to help you better understand how you may be impacted.

Local Authorities and the Environment Agency work together to manage the flood risk in Nottingham. They maintain flood defence structures such as embankments and barriers, and provide information and advice to residents and businesses on how to prepare for and respond to a flood. For example, a major factor impacting the level of flood risk in Nottingham is the Nottingham Left Bank Flood Alleviation Scheme (FAS), implemented by the Environment Agency to reduce the risk of flooding to 16,000 homes and businesses along a 27km stretch of the River Trent and provide a minimum 1 in 100 year Standard of Protection (SoP) along the left bank of the River Trent.

The risk of river flooding in Nottingham comes primarily from the River Trent, which runs through the city. The Trent is the third-largest river in England and can experience significant flooding during heavy rainfall events, in addition, the city also has a number of smaller rivers and streams that can also contribute to flooding. Surface water flooding, which occurs when heavy rainfall overwhelmed drainage systems, is also a concern in Nottingham. The city's urban environment and aging infrastructure can exacerbate the risk of surface water flooding.

Flood risk in Nottingham is likely to be increased where obstructions in the floodplain are present, e.g. road embankments, bridges, canals and railways, and where there is a high proportion of impermeable land use and the ground levels flatten out. This occurs widely in Rushcliffe within the predominantly rural floodplains comprising shallower topography and in Nottingham City within the predominantly urban floodplains comprising shallower topography and a high proportion of impermeable land use.

Where Does it Flood in Nottingham?

Flood Risk in Nottingham (City) - While the risk of flooding still remains, flood defences along the River Trent have reduced the area at risk of flooding in Nottingham City, particularly in the Beeston Rylands, Nottingham University, Lenton, Queens Drive and Meadows areas. In addition to other sources of flooding, data shows that the greatest susceptibility to flooding in Nottingham City is likely along the River Trent and Tottle Brook corridors.

Updated flood modelling identified an increased flood risk in the Old Basford area, the Old Lenton area surrounding the hospital, in playing fields and industrial depots between Orston Drive and Triumph Road and within the marina north of The Mornings road, however, a reduced flood risk was identified in the Castle Quay Close area and along Harrimans.

Flood Risk in East Nottingham (Gedling) - Flood defences along the River Trent in the west of Nottingham has reduced the area at risk of flooding in Gedling Borough, particularly in the Colwick and Netherfield areas, however, residual flood risk from the river still remains in many areas. In addition to other sources of flooding, data shows that the greatest susceptibility to flooding in the Gedling Borough of east Nottingham is likely along the River Trent corridor, in addition to, the corridor of the headwaters of the River Leen and Baker Lane Brook.

Flood Risk in South Nottingham (West Bridgford & Rushcliffe) - An increased residual risk of flooding was identified in West Bridgford and the wider Rushcliffe Borough as a results of the Trent Left Bank Flood Alleviation Scheme, however, much of West Bridgford considered to be at higher risk of flooding benefits from flood defences. In addition to other sources of flooding, data shows that the greatest susceptibility to flooding in West Bridgford and the wider Rushcliffe Borough is likely along the River Trent and River Smite corridors.

Flood Risk in West Nottingham (Broxtowe) - While the risk of flooding still remains, Broxtowe Borough in the west of Nottingham has benefitted greatly since the implementation of the Trent Left Bank Flood Alleviation Scheme, with defences contributing to a significant reduction in residual risk across the Attenborough, Chilwell and Beeston Rylands areas in the west of Nottingham. In addition to other sources of flooding, data shows that the greatest susceptibility to flooding in the Broxtowe Borough of west Nottingham is likely along the River Trent and River Erewash corridors.

Flood Risk in West Nottingham (Erewash) - Flood defences along the River Trent in the west of Nottingham has reduced the area at risk of flooding in Erewash Borough, particularly in Long Eaton within the Sawley and Trent Meadows areas, however, residual flood risk from the river still remains in many areas. In addition to other sources of flooding, data shows that the greatest susceptibility to flooding in the Erewash Borough of west Nottingham is likely along the River Derwent, River Trent and River Erewash corridors.

Meet Our Flood Risk Consultants

Consultants - Supervised by our Chief Technical Officer, Louis Turner, our fully comprehensive flood risk assessment reports, are carried out by highly qualified consultants, combining over 30 years experience with recognised in-depth technical qualifications in identification of environmental and flood issues.

Management - Our wealth of experience in project management, logistics and environmental consulting allows us to provide an efficient, friendly and high quality flood risk service for our clients. As a company, we believe that helping clients achieve their goals while simultaneously protecting the environment is a true "win-win" situation.

Partners - Our experienced, professional and qualified construction and consulting partners further extend the range of environmental services we are able to provide. These partners help us produce highly detailed and thorough flood risk assessments.

Contact Us - Contact us for an informal discussion about your requirements, alternatively, if your requirements are more complex, or you're looking for more information about flood risk assessments in Nottingham, or our company, a more formal consultation may be necessary. Following initial consultation we can provide an outline proposal detailing how we can help and the costs involved.

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