Environment Agency chief executive Sir James Bevan has set out how natural flood management must be a core part of the nation’s defence against flooding and climate change.
Following a report published by the Environment Agency, he outlined his vision for natural flood management to be seen “shoulder to shoulder” with its programme of crucial bricks and mortar hard defences.
The report evaluates the impact of the national Natural Flood Management Programme which received £15 million of government funding, including benefits to communities and to biodiversity alongside protecting homes and businesses from floods.
Across 60 pilot projects the programme created an equivalent of 1.6 million cubic metres of water storage and increased flood resilience to 15,000 homes.
In addition, the programme contributed to nature recovery: improving 4,000ha of habitat, improving 610km of river and planting 100ha of woodland.
Sir James Bevan said:
“The warning signs of the climate crisis are stark – and sadly devastating flooding is likely to become a more familiar sight over the next century.
“As we prepare for more extreme weather events, we must use every weapon in our armoury and Natural Flood Management will play an essential role in this.
“By harnessing the power of nature alongside our traditional flood defences, we can not only help keep communities safer, but also create wildlife havens and tackle the climate emergency.”
Measures include planting trees and hedges to absorb more water, creating leaky barriers to slow water flow in streams and ditches and restoring salt marshes, mudflats, and peat bogs.
