East Garston Flood and Pollution Forum is a group of residents with an active interest in the risk associated with high river levels, high groundwater levels and the effects of these on our sewage system.
Fluvial flooding (the river breaching its banks) is rare in East Garston and will hopefully be minimised in the future by the upstream Eastbury Flood Alleviation Scheme.
Of more concern to residents are high groundwater levels and the impact of those on our inadequate sewage systems.
East Garston Flood and Pollution Forum (EGFF) is managed as an email distribution list but it is hoped will be more than simply a list of people to be advised of flood warnings. By making it open to everyone to contribute to the group with information, discussion and suggestions about flood and sewer problems, real value can be gained by all. In order to protect privacy, residents joining the forum may do so confidentially if they prefer i.e. on a blind copy of the emails distributed.
This webpage provides a single source of relevant information of interest to EGFF and is associated with a page of more general interest regarding the River Lambourn in East Garston.
If you would like to join the EGFF then please contact the co-ordinator Martyn Wright include your
- Name
- Address of East Garston Property
- Email address
- Phone Numbers
There are a number of stakeholders when considering flood risk in the village:-
East Garston Parish Council
The Parish Council have a number of responsibilities that pertain to managing flood risk. These include
• To protect, enhance and promote the environment of the Parish.
• To protect, enhance and promote the collective interests and well-being of the residents of the Parish.
• To make representations to West Berkshire Council and any other Statutory Body or Public Utility on matters affecting the residents of the Parish.
Parish Councillors Chris Tonge and Annabelle Eyre are tasked with overseeing the Council’s response to river management and flood risk.
Lambourn Valley Flood Forum
is a group of interested parties in the Lambourn Valley that meet on a regular basis to share information and action on managing flood risk in the Lambourn Valley. All of the stakeholders listed on this page are represented plus other Parish Council representatives. Martyn Wright (EGFF) represents East Garston on this body. Recent Minutes of the LVFF and other relevant documentation may be found here.
Live information on the groundwater situation in the Lambourn Valley
West Berkshire Council
is the Lead Local Flood Authority and is responsible for developing, maintaining and applying a strategy for local flood risk management in their area and for maintaining a register of flood risk assets. They also have lead responsibility for managing the risk of flooding from surface water, groundwater and ordinary watercourses and lead on community recovery. West Berkshire Council have produced a Lambourn Valley Flood Risk Management Plan which may be downloaded here.
The Environment Agency
is responsible for taking a strategic overview of the management of all sources of flooding and coastal erosion. This includes, for example, setting the direction for managing the risks through strategic plans; providing evidence and advice to inform Government policy and support others; working collaboratively to support the development of risk management skills and capacity; and providing a framework to support local delivery.
Thames Water
are, among other things responsible for any drains outside of a private property boundary, known as a lateral drain, which directly discharge to the public sewer system. They are also responsible for most sewers.
The Penny Post Guide to “Looking After The River Lambourn“
Where to Find Flood Risk Information
East Garston Flood Forum
regularly shares information regarding flood risk in the community. You are also able to obtain information and warnings via the following.
Groundwater Flood Warning Service
This is a new government-funded service which is being trialled in the Lambourn Valley and several other locations. You can register to receive free flood warnings.
See their website for more information.
Lambourn Valley Water Information Dashboard
All the relevant information on rainfall, groundwater and flood risk in the Lambourn Valley is now available in easy-to-understand form.
Read more here.
Environment Agency Flood Warnings:
You can register with the Environment Agency Flood Warning Service and receive key alerts via email and/or phone.
There are three levels of warning that are issued by EA:
- Flood Alert = Flooding is possible – be prepared.
- Flood Warning = Flooding is expected – immediate action is required
- Severe Flood Warning = Severe Flooding – danger to life
Environment Agency Flood Information Service
You can check the current status of Flood Warnings in the Lambourn Valley
or by calling the 24-hour Floodline on:
- Telephone: 0345 988 1188
- Type talk: 0345 602 6340 (for the hard of hearing)
Further Information about detailed rainfall and river flow conditions
East Garston Eco Group (EGEG)
East Garston Eco Group (EGEG) was set up in 2022 and aims to help local people reduce their carbon footprint and protect our wonderful biodiversity.
We organised a ‘Green Weekend in the Lambourn Valley’ in April 2023, and again in October, to bring people together to celebrate and explore the range of eco projects in our local area.
We have created several small biodiversity projects around the village hall, Millennium field and Friends meeting house and are using a grant from Veolia to develop these areas further.
We produced an information sheet about local recycling and worked with West Berkshire Council to provide a mini-recycling centre in the village.
We are about to purchase a thermal camera, to help people reduce their energy bills.
We have meetings on the first Sunday afternoon of the month for people to work together to reduce our carbon footprints, following the information on our ‘We can reduce the climate & biodiversity emergencies’ leaflet.
We would love to hear from anyone who would like to get involved. For more information, please follow us on facebook.com/lambournvalleyecocommunity or contact Penny or Pat at ecoeastgarston@gmail.com or 07768 981658.