WN8: Timber sluice

This item is part of Higher Tier Capital Grants 2025. You must read the Higher Tier capital grants 2025 guidance to understand the rules and how to apply.

If you’re applying for this item as part of a Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) application, you must read the CSHT applicant’s guide to understand the rules and how to apply.

How much you’ll be paid

£451.50 per sluice.

How this item benefits the environment

It provides a simple mechanism for water level control that supports raising water levels in lowland peat and restoring or creating habitat.

Where you can use this item

You can only use this item in combination with actions or options to manage, restore and create habitats or features with the support of a Natural England adviser.

You will need to get any necessary consents from the Environment Agency, lead local flood authority or internal drainage board before you start any work.

You must also contact your local planning authority to check if planning permission is needed.

You cannot use this item where it’ll restrict the movement of migratory fish or eels.

What you must do to use this item

You must

• construct the sluice to the size and height as agreed with Natural England
• use pre-cut tongue and groove or chamfered boards so that they fit tightly together and can easily be reused or replaced
• insert the boards far into the ditch sides and ditch bed so that the bottoms are at least 300 millimetres (mm) into impermeable soil (failure to do this will cause leaks)
• make sure that the boards are long enough to raise the water to the desired level
• install a first board central to the ditch, making sure it’s vertical
• insert boards on either side of the central board and build towards each ditch bank
• make sure that the final boards are secured into the ditch banks (use horizontal timbers or ‘string pieces’ to prevent them from moving or spreading)

Alternatively, for seepage barriers you will need to:

• construct the barrier using wooden slats
• make sure the slats are formed either vertically or horizontally (if they’re less than 2 metres (m) wide)
• leave a small gap of 2mm between each slat to allow the slow movement of water
• use posts to support and secure the slats
• make sure the vertically arranged slats stay in place by using horizontal timbers to brace them to posts on either side of the ditch

You may also need to:

• cut out an appropriately sized opening and screw metal channelling to each vertical edge so that it accepts sluice boards once the vertical boards are in place
• install a plank bridge across the back of the board tops on the downstream side
• secure the plank bridge firmly into the ditch banks (to strengthen the structure and allow access to the drop boards for adjustment)

You should discuss and agree requirements that are specific to your site with your adviser.

Evidence you must keep

You must keep and provide with your claim:

• photographs of the site during the different stages of construction or contracts, invoices or other documents confirming the technical specification for the completed works
• photographs of the completed works when they are in place and installed

You must also keep and provide on request:

• receipted invoices or bank statements where a receipted invoice is unavailable
• photographs of the site before works start
• any consents or permissions connected with the work

Read the record keeping and site visit requirements in the Agreement holder’s guide: Capital Grants, Higher Tier capital grants and Protection and Infrastructure grants for more information.

If you’re applying for this item as part of a Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) application, read the record keeping and site visit requirements in the CSHT agreement holder’s guide.

Advice to help you use this item

The following advice may help you to use this item, but you do not have to follow it to get paid. It’s not part of this item’s requirements.

Use this item on drains, ditches and minor watercourses of appropriate size (that are relatively small). Use ‘like for like’ materials if replacing an existing timber sluice.