The Environment Agency (EA) has confirmed the completion of the Great Shefford flood alleviation scheme in West Berkshire. The £5.2 million project concluded in June 2025 and is designed to better protect 26 properties previously exposed to flooding from the Great Shefford Stream.
The scheme diverts high flows around the village via a 1 kilometre route that does not require manual operation. The diversion comprises underground pipeline, rectangular culverts and a short open channel that meets the River Lambourn via a backwater, with environmental works intended to secure biodiversity net gain.
Delivery relied on local involvement and planning consent. The Great Shefford flood alleviation association raised £80,000 to help unlock wider funding, the local community supported construction activity, and West Berkshire Council worked with the EA through the planning process.
Construction began in May 2024 and was delivered by BAM, with design support from Stantec. Contract management was undertaken by Advantage RSK with Binnies, Mott MacDonald provided site supervision and environmental clerk of works oversight, and Jacobs carried out earlier appraisal work.
Environment Agency Thames area director Anna Burns said the scheme offers reassurance to a village repeatedly affected by property flooding, particularly ahead of periods of heavy rain. The Lambourn Valley Flood Forum highlighted benefits for residents and the wider community as local services adapt to the effects of climate change.
The project sits within the government’s flood and coastal erosion risk management (FCERM) programme. In February 2025 ministers announced £2.65 billion for flood and coastal risk management, with a two‑year target across 2024/25 and 2025/26 of 52,000 properties better protected; Great Shefford contributes to this outcome.
According to the Environment Agency, between April 2024 and March 2025, risk management authorities collectively improved protection for 27,543 properties across 145 schemes. This included 14,968 from sea and tidal flooding, 6,849 from river flooding, 1,254 from surface water flooding and 4,472 from coastal erosion.
The EA also cites a longer‑term record of more than 400,000 properties better protected between 2015 and 2024. For residents in Great Shefford, the new diversion should reduce the frequency and impact of flooding, although residual risk remains and property‑level resilience measures still matter.
Residents and businesses are encouraged to use the government’s service to check local flood risk and to register for free flood warnings at https://www.gov.uk/check-flood-risk, or to call Floodline on 0345 988 1188. The Environment Agency South East account (@EnvAgencySE) on X provides operational updates during severe weather.
Media enquiries should be directed to the Environment Agency press office (South East) on 0800 141 2743 or communications_se@environment-agency.gov.uk.