North Kent Marshes Internal Drainage Board Water Level Management Plan

The overall aim of the WLMP is to set a management regime and specific actions for Risk Management Authorities (RMA's), i.e., the Environment Agency, Internal Drainage Board and landowners, to manage water level and drainage needs whilst supporting the requirements of the designated sites and ensure suggest management measures to resolve problems and protect and enhance valued features in the area.

Natural England (NE) is responsible for assessing the condition of Special Sites of Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and has identified a number of wetland SSSIs across the North Kent Marshes where changes in water level management are required to achieve favourable condition for each site. This has become more prudent given the low water levels experienced across the site within the past 18 months.

The activities of the North Kent Marshes IDB and Risk Management Authorities and landowners thus play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy natural environment across the area. The Internal Drainage Board acknowledges its statutory duties regarding nature conservation under the Land Drainage Act 1991, the Conservation (Natural Habitats etc) Regulations (1994) and the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (2000) and the Natural England and Rural Communities Act (2006).