The Delf stream in Sandwich brought fresh drinking water to the town for centuries. In recent years it’s suffered from low flows, mainly due to land subsidence from coal mining, so we’re working with the River Stour (Kent) Internal Drainage Board and the Environment Agency to make some improvements.

Work started in early 2023 with channel narrowing and desilting alongside Dover Road, to help improve water flow. The margins were planted with wetland plants in May and these are now well established, providing a home for wildlife (including ducks – see pic). Work was carried out by the IDB’s main contractor, Rhino Plant, and it is hoped that we can do more to improve this important watercourse over the coming years.