Legal eagles branch out into natural flood barriers in a Sussex woodland
Volunteers joined forces with river and woodland partners in Sussex during Flood Action Week to boost flood protection and wildlife at New England Wood in Cuckfield.
Eleven volunteers from the legal department at UK Power Networks swapped office desks for a tranquil Sussex stream on Thursday (16 October), teaming up with Cuckfield Woodlanders and the Ouse and Adur Rivers Trust to build ‘overland leaky barriers’.
The team carefully stacked branches and small logs across surface water pathways to slow water flow during heavy rain, reduce downstream flooding and boost groundwater recharge. Leaky barriers are a simple, nature-based solution that slows water, helps reduce flood risk, and creates richer habitats for wildlife. They are a cost-effective alternative to traditional flood defences, helping prevent soil loss, reduce erosion in streams and top up groundwater, supporting the area’s natural resources.
Robert Cooke, team lead at UK Power Networks, said: “This project was a fantastic chance for us to get out of the office, connect with our local community, and make a positive impact on our environment. It’s a lovely woodland which volunteers put lot of effort into maintaining and we were pleased to support their work.”
Tara Dawson, from Ouse and Adur Rivers Trust, said: “Despite the ongoing drought conditions across Sussex, natural flood management initiatives such as this, delivered as part of the Adur Adaptation Project, are incredibly valuable for our local environment. Leaky barriers help to retain precious water in the landscape, supporting wildlife and replenishing groundwater when rainfall is scarce. It’s fantastic to see volunteers from UK Power Networks working together to make a real difference for both our rivers and our community."
Paddy Boyle from Cuckfield Woodlanders, said: “Cuckfield Woodlanders manage New England Wood as a nature reserve and for the benefit of local people. We’re extremely grateful for the work UK Power Networks’ fantastic volunteers have done, improving the way water flows in the wood and helping the wood adjust to a changing climate.”
The volunteers took part through UK Power Networks’ Donate a Day programme, which enables all staff at the power firm to spend two paid days each year volunteering with local community groups and charities.
Published 17/10/2025
Eleven volunteers from the legal department at UK Power Networks swapped office desks for a tranquil Sussex stream on Thursday (16 October), teaming up with Cuckfield Woodlanders and the Ouse and Adur Rivers Trust to build ‘overland leaky barriers’.
The team carefully stacked branches and small logs across surface water pathways to slow water flow during heavy rain, reduce downstream flooding and boost groundwater recharge. Leaky barriers are a simple, nature-based solution that slows water, helps reduce flood risk, and creates richer habitats for wildlife. They are a cost-effective alternative to traditional flood defences, helping prevent soil loss, reduce erosion in streams and top up groundwater, supporting the area’s natural resources.
Robert Cooke, team lead at UK Power Networks, said: “This project was a fantastic chance for us to get out of the office, connect with our local community, and make a positive impact on our environment. It’s a lovely woodland which volunteers put lot of effort into maintaining and we were pleased to support their work.”
Tara Dawson, from Ouse and Adur Rivers Trust, said: “Despite the ongoing drought conditions across Sussex, natural flood management initiatives such as this, delivered as part of the Adur Adaptation Project, are incredibly valuable for our local environment. Leaky barriers help to retain precious water in the landscape, supporting wildlife and replenishing groundwater when rainfall is scarce. It’s fantastic to see volunteers from UK Power Networks working together to make a real difference for both our rivers and our community."
Paddy Boyle from Cuckfield Woodlanders, said: “Cuckfield Woodlanders manage New England Wood as a nature reserve and for the benefit of local people. We’re extremely grateful for the work UK Power Networks’ fantastic volunteers have done, improving the way water flows in the wood and helping the wood adjust to a changing climate.”
The volunteers took part through UK Power Networks’ Donate a Day programme, which enables all staff at the power firm to spend two paid days each year volunteering with local community groups and charities.
Published 17/10/2025