Catchment to Coast
"Working together to build water resilience from source to sea"
Catchment to Coast is a collaborative project taking place between Southend and Thurrock, supported by local people and partner organisations. The initiative works across several sites to address water-related climate challenges. These challenges include flooding, drought and coastal erosion.
Catchment to Coast is funded through the UK Government’s Flood and Coastal Resilience Innovation Programme, managed by the Environment Agency and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. This programme explores practical innovative actions and testing new ways to adapt to climate change.
From rainfall to the sea, this project takes a ‘catchment to coast’ approach, exploring the whole journey of water. By doing so, we can find new ways to best protect and improve our local environment. As a result, we can reduce flood risk, improve water quality, and support local biodiversity. This is done by combining nature-based and engineered solutions, such as:
- Leaky dams
- Water reuse systems
- Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)
- Coastal defences
Local communities have been central to this project throughout. Residents have volunteered their time to support the installation of measures, monitor progress on site, attend public workshops and more. This local input has and will continue to help shape a more resilient future across Southend and neighbouring areas.
Each of the solutions implemented is monitored throughout the project and then evaluated collectively at the end. Evidence gathered will then inform how flooding and coastal erosion are tackled on a national scale moving forward.
To get involved or to learn more about this project and ongoing updates, visit the Catchment to Coast website.