The River Thames Scheme

Defra/Environment Agency ‘The River Thames Scheme will reduce flood risk to people living and working near the Thames. It will enhance the resilience of nationally important infrastructure, contribute to a vibrant local economy and create many recreational opportunities.

Between 2020 and 2025 the Environment Agency will build a new flood channel alongside the River Thames to reduce flood risk to properties in communities in Datchet, Wraysbury, Egham, Staines, Chertsey, Shepperton, Weybridge, Sunbury, Moseley, Thames Ditton, Kingston and Teddington.

The channel will be built in 3 sections and includes widening of the Desborough Cut and increasing the capacity of weirs at Sunbury, Moseley and Teddington by installing additional weir gates.

15,000 homes and 2,400 business will be better protected from flooding. Road, rail, power and water networks will be more resilient. 106 hectares of new public open space and 23km of new pathways will be created, as well as improving biodiversity for wildlife through the creation of 250 hectares of new habitat.

Construction of the new channel gives the opportunity to create habitats for wildlife and recreation activities including walking, cycling, boating and angling.

As development work continues, the Environment Agency are working with communities between Datchet and Teddington to increase their resilience to flooding. This includes working with emergency services, local councils and other organisations to co-ordinate their response during major floods.

Latest news

Read the latest news stories about the River Thames Scheme.

Funding announced Surrey County Council’s cabinet is set to agree £270 million of funding for long term flood risk management work across Surrey to protect homes and roads. This includes a contribution to the River Thames Scheme providing the confidence needed to proceed with the next steps of the scheme’s delivery. This will include requesting approval from HM Treasury and development of applications for the statutory consents required to enable the schemes construction.’ Click here to read more