Residents of Saham Toney near Watton are now better protected from flooding
Residents of Saham Toney near Watton are now better protected from flooding thanks to the completion of new flood storage basins and other nature-based solutions.
The Norfolk Strategic Flood Alliance (NSFA) identified the village as a priority area after repeated flooding over the past three decades. By getting together key partners across local government, water authorities, and drainage boards, the NSFA laid the groundwork for a multi-agency response that culminated in the delivery of a 22,000m³ flood storage basin—completed ahead of schedule and under budget.
The scheme includes two large storage basins, located upstream of the village and 14 leaky dams that are part of a wider flood alleviation scheme that will continue over the next 2 years. The project is jointly funded by Norfolk County Council, Anglian Water, and central government, and was constructed by the Norfolk Rivers Internal Drainage Board (IDB). But the success of the scheme is also down to the trust and support of local landowners. Without their willingness to host flood infrastructure on their land, the project would not have progressed.
Henry Cator, Chairman of the NSFA stressed the importance of cooperation from the local community and landowners in making projects like this a success. "The scheme in Saham Toney is a testament to what can be achieved when we work together. NSFA's role is to bring the right people to the table, and in this instance, collaboration has delivered real reassurance for residents. Sir David's support has been key to providing this flood resilience scheme. We've seen projects that could have offered good levels of protection for communities fall through, because landowners weren't willing to work with us."
Sir David Ralli, a landowner whose land now hosts the first basin, said: "When I was first approached, I had concerns. But the team explained the long-term benefits clearly—not just for the village, but for the land itself. I've seen how these basins improve soil moisture and support wildlife. It's a win-win. I'd encourage other landowners to get involved. The countryside needs us to step up."
Capable of holding the equivalent of more than nine Olympic-sized swimming pools, the first basin will help safeguard over 30 homes from the impacts of extreme weather, including heavy rainfall and storms. A second basin is due to be constructed next spring and is being built on land owned by the Parish of Saham Toney.
The flood storage basins work by temporarily storing floodwater during periods of heavy rain, whilst releasing it slowly to reduce downstream flood risk and taking pressure off known bottlenecks in the village.
Councillor James Bensly, Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste at Norfolk County Council, said: "This is one of the largest flood mitigation schemes ever delivered in Norfolk, and it's a brilliant example of partnership working. Completing it ahead of schedule and under budget is a testament to the dedication of everyone involved."
Beyond flood protection, the basins are expected to bring environmental benefits, including improved habitats for amphibians and better water retention for agriculture during dry spells.
Phil Camamile, Chief Executive of Norfolk Rivers IDB, said: "As the delivery partner and principal contractor, Norfolk Rivers IDB used clay sourced on-site to create new flood storage basins. By avoiding the need for imported materials, the project has reduced both costs and carbon footprint. It's a great example of how smart engineering can deliver community resilience, environmental enhancement, and value for public investment."
In addition to the new basins, the project has invested in rainwater harvesting and sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) to reduce surface water runoff from nearby housing estates.
