Our commitment to sustainable land stewardship and climate action has recently seen a unique addition: Roy the Horse. Roy has become the carbon-neutral contractor at the forefront of the Climate Focus Area's nature-based flood solutions, particularly in the construction of leaky dams across the Rivers Colne and Blackwater.

Leaky dams are a form of Natural Flood Management. Barriers made of natural wood materials are laid within water channels and allow the normal flow of water to pass through. When flood flows are higher, they create an obstruction to reduce the flow.

A magnificent Suffolk Punch Horse, Roy has proven to be an invaluable asset, pulling timber to sites inaccessible by machinery. His efforts have facilitated the creation of leaky dams, constructed from locally sourced timber logs mimicking naturally fallen trees. These structures effectively slow the flow of water, reducing the risk of flash flooding downstream while simultaneously fostering new habitats and enhancing biodiversity in the area.

Matt Waller, Roy's handler from Hawthorn Heavy Horses in Chelmsford, emphasised the horse's unique capabilities: "Roy helps us build these dams by pulling timber onto site. This site has tricky access, so it would be hard to get a tractor or a machine in to do that for us. With Roy, we can get through very small gaps, we can turn in small spaces, and he’s very environmentally friendly, because there is no pollution or noise."

The Climate Focus Area, spanning a significant portion of Essex, including the Rivers Blackwater, Colne, and Pant, aims to showcase best practices in sustainable land stewardship that can be replicated across the county. The leaky dams represent just one example of the area's natural flood management strategies contributing to the overarching goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions and bolstering climate change resilience.

Essex County Council Climate Czar, Cllr Peter Schwier, expressed the importance of Roy's contribution, stating, "The leaky dams are vital tools for protecting properties and the environment within the Climate Focus Area, and they would not exist without Roy." Roy's role encapsulates the ethos of the Essex Climate Action Commission, demonstrating the feasibility of sustainable construction methods and inspiring their adoption in other regions.

Looking ahead, Essex County Council is set to publish the Essex Water Strategy next year, further solidifying its commitment to effective water management and climate resilience. For more information on the Essex Climate Action Commission's Climate Focus Area, visit www.essexclimate.org.uk/essex-climate-focus-area.

Lucy Shepherd, Lead Local Flood Authority Manager at Essex County Council, added “The inclusion of leaky dams stands as a prime example of an effective natural flood management technique that not only addresses flooding concerns but also fosters a thriving ecosystem within the Climate Focus Area.”

Highlighting the council's collaborative efforts with landowners to implement nature-based solutions that enhance water quality, manage floods, and support nature recovery.