Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme

The Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme reduces flood risk from the River Thames while strengthening the ecological and recreational value of the city's historic flood meadows. Gillespies was appointed in 2015 to lead landscape planning, landscape and visual assessment, and landscape design alongside the Environment Agency and lead engineer Jacobs.

A new stream carries high water through a gently reprofiled floodplain of grazing meadow, wetland and wildflower-rich grassland. Outside flood events, the same landscape operates as a biodiverse green corridor with improved walking and cycling connections.

Landform, planting and materials were developed to preserve the open character of the flood meadows and help the infrastructure settle into the landscape. The official practice page records the project as complete.