Starcross and Cockwood Tidal Defence Scheme

The Environment Agency is reviewing options to manage the risk of tidal flooding at Starcross and Cockwood on the Exe Estuary in Devon. This project was identified as one of the priority schemes detailed in the Exe Estuary Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy (EEFCRMS). 

Although funding is yet to be secured, the scheme’s justification to receive grant funding from central government is strong. In addition to managing current flood risk, the scheme will also help to reduce the risk of future flooding resulting from climate change.

The Environment Agency is conducting research into flooding mechanisms within the area and will be carrying out walkover surveys and site investigations to review the quality and strength of the area’s current defenses.

At this stage, no decisions have been made regarding the options the Environment Agency plans to use to address flooding. These decisions will be made at the next stage, when the Environment Agency plans to identify a number of possible methods.

Further site investigations and discussions will help the Environment Agency to refine the options and to identify the most appropriate type of defenses needed at each location.