A newly completed landmark scheme in the West of England has delivered 17km of new flood defences, providing long-term protection to communities, livelihoods and jobs. Further vital new wetlands and other habitats have been created to support wildlife in the internationally recognised Severn Estuary.
Delivered through the partnership between South Gloucestershire Council, Bristol City Council, and the Environment Agency, the Avonmouth and Severnside Enterprise Area Ecological Mitigation and Flood Defence Project is the largest scheme of its kind in the region. The new infrastructure includes earth embankments, flood gates and sheet pile walls, as well as innovative glass panels for protecting against floods whilst preserving the area’s scenic views.
New habitats have been made too, with more than 80 hectares of wetlands providing a home for a diverse population of waterbirds, such as the European white-fronted geese, shelduck and redshank. Water voles, one of the UK’s most endangered mammals, have also been introduced into the wetlands. This is in addition to two new hectares of native trees and shrubs, new habitats for barn owls, bats and otters, as well as improved walking routes for residents and visitors.
Commenting on the project, Ron Curtis – Area Flood & Coastal Risk Manager (Wessex East) for the Environment Agency – said: “We’re proud to have played a key role in this landmark project. It not only strengthens flood defence for communities and businesses in the area but also delivers vital new habitats that support wildlife in the internationally recognised Severn Estuary. This is a powerful example of how partnership, innovation and ambition can safeguard our environment while driving growth and security for the future.”
Councillor Chris Willmore, Cabinet Member for Planning, Regeneration and Infrastructure at South Gloucestershire Council, said: “The completion of this project marks a major achievement for the region. People living and working in the area now have greater peace of mind, knowing they’re better protected from the growing risks of flooding – not just today, but for generations to come. Looking ahead, we are delighted that further works on the section of railway to the south of Severn Beach are already in progress. These will be delivered in partnership with Network Rail over the next five years, with early design work already underway and construction planned for 2030.”
The project is set to unlock the full potential of the Avonmouth and Severnside Enterprise Area (ASEA), a 1,800-hectare economic hub stretching along the Severn Estuary. Increased resilience is expected to open the door to continued development, supporting the creation of 12,000 new jobs by 2026 and generating £1.4 billion by 2038.
Councillor Andrew Brown, Chair of the Economy and Skills Committee at Bristol City Council, said: “This vital infrastructure paves the way for long-term opportunities that will benefit our region for years to come, opening the door for the Enterprise Area to truly become the economic hotbed we know it can be.”
SGC and BCC Project Lead Ursula Stevenson added: “This project represents years of careful planning and its success is a testament to the strong collaboration between councils, agencies, and local people, all working to build a safer, greener, and more resilient Avonmouth and Severnside.”
