Land drainage in Kent

The Coal Authority has been working in partnership with The Environment Agency, English Nature and other agencies to upgrade a pumping scheme which maintains drainage on low-lying agricultural land between Sandwich and Deal near the East Kent coast.

Good environmental management was needed as part of the catchment area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, containing varieties of flora which English Nature is keen to preserve.

The £2m Betteshanger - Worth Minnis scheme involved rebuilding and refurbishment of the pumping facilities so that water can be pumped under fully automatic control at varying levels of tide.

New pumping facilities have been installed to enable responsibility for the facility to be transferred from The Coal Authority to the Environment Agency.

Consultations also took place with Dover District Council, Kent County Council and Thanet Archaeological Trust.