An Investigation into the Management of Catch Dykes in The Broads (NECR238)

Catch dykes are watercourses that often exist at the break of slope between the ‘upland’ and the floodplain. Other names include landspring dykes or interceptor drains. Their function is to pick up and remove surface and groundwater flows between the upland and floodplain. The project aims to investigate the functional role of ‘catch dykes’ within the Broads with a view to identifying options for their future management, based on characteristics observable by desk research or fieldwork. The report is intended to be a briefing, an evidence base and a guide to studying, assessing and developing remedial actions for catch dyke managers. It contains a wealth of information that those involved in catch dykes can use in project investigation and planning. Around two-thirds of the report are the case studies and additional data in the Appendices.