Partnerships
Through these partnerships, we are able to combine technical expertise with a deep commitment to environmental conservation, ensuring that our water management practices meet the highest standards and serve the best interests of both the local environment and the communities we protect.
Association of Drainage Authorities
The Association of Drainage Authorities (ADA) serves as the UK’s membership organisation for authorities involved in water level management and acts as the national representative body for Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs) in England.
ADA's diverse membership includes IDBs, the Environment Agency, Regional Flood & Coastal Committees, Local Authorities, and various commercial suppliers and service providers.
As a proactive ADA member, the Board is at the forefront of water management, sharing insights and best practices while collaborating with other IDBs and partners to drive innovation across the country.
Local Authorities
Amid growing climate challenges, we partner with local councils to promote sustainable water management practices. We bring expertise in flood risk assessments, drainage design, and environmental impact evaluations, helping councils navigate complex decisions with confidence.
Our government-funded projects enable councils to manage flood risks and enhance water quality cost-effectively.
We also provide competitively priced services, including specialised equipment and resources, for authorities looking to outsource drainage and watercourse maintenance.
As a public body, our Board includes thirteen appointed councillors representing five Local Authorities, ensuring a collaborative approach to regional water management.
We also collaborate closely with Kent County Council to align our efforts with county-wide water management and resilience initiatives.
Landowners
We collaborate with landowners to enhance agricultural output, promote conservation efforts, and manage water resources in a sustainable manner. Our services include strategic water management plans tailored to meet specific needs. Additionally, we offer guidance to help protect and enhance local habitats and biodiversity.
To ensure that local perspectives are well-represented, twelve elected landowner representatives serve on the Board.
Developers
Engaging with the Board early allows developers to access expert services such as flood risk assessments, drainage design consultations, and environmental impact reviews.
This proactive approach ensures that water management strategies are thoroughly evaluated and refined before submitting formal applications to local planning authorities.
Property developers planning residential or commercial projects must obtain land drainage consent from the Board to manage site drainage effectively.
Government and Government Agencies – inc EA and NE
We work in close collaboration with Natural England, the Department of Food and Rural Affairs, and the Environment Agency to ensure effective water management, environmental protection, and compliance with national standards.
DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) has overall oversight of Boards like ours. This government oversight ensures that we operate within the regulatory framework and align with national policies on water management and environmental sustainability. DEFRA's role includes guiding and supervising the work of Boards to ensure that water management practices support broader environmental objectives, including flood prevention, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience.
Natural England is a key partner in our efforts to protect and enhance biodiversity. Our work with Natural England focuses on integrating water management with conservation initiatives, particularly in areas with sensitive ecosystems. Together, we implement strategies that protect wildlife habitats, support species diversity, and maintain the ecological integrity of the landscapes within our jurisdiction.
The Environment Agency is another crucial partner in our operations. We collaborate closely with them on flood risk management, water quality control, and compliance with environmental regulations. This partnership ensures that our water management strategies are not only effective in controlling water levels but also contribute to the broader goals of environmental stewardship and community protection.
Local stakeholder groups
We actively collaborate with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and the Medway Estuary Swale Partnership (MSEP) to promote sustainable water management and biodiversity conservation across the region.
Working closely with the RSPB, we contribute to projects such as the ‘Wise use of Water’ initiative, where our focus is on developing water management strategies that support both agricultural productivity and the preservation of vital wildlife habitats. This partnership emphasises the importance of optimising water use to sustain wetlands and other critical ecosystems, particularly in the face of climate change.
Additionally, our collaboration with the Medway Estuary Swale Partnership allows us to engage with a broader network of stakeholders dedicated to safeguarding the environmental health of the Medway Estuary and surrounding areas. Together, we work on initiatives that address flood risk management, water quality, and the enhancement of natural habitats, ensuring a balanced approach to water level management that benefits both the environment and the local communities.
These partnerships enable us to integrate conservation efforts with water management practices, driving forward innovative solutions that protect the region's unique landscapes and biodiversity.