With nature - against flood risk
Trent Rivers Trust
Together, for healthy and natural rivers in the Trent catchment.
As rivers run high, so do concerns about flooding. With devastating floods in close memory, it's time we look at solutions that use nature as a first line of defence.?As your local rivers charity, we're focussing on the one factor that can either accelarate or dramatically slow and store intense rainfall: the lie of the land. By increasing soil permeability, creating new ponds, wetlands, barriers and many more other tools, working with nature is?a solution that allows us to work where other approaches can't - all whilst?improving?water quality and spaces for wildlife to thrive. With a team dedicated to working across the Trent catchment, we're?slowing the flow by creating spongier, soggier landscapes that can buy vital time to prepare and decrease flood impact.?Using data and mapping tools, we identify opportunities and work with landowners to improve soil health and map opportunities across the landscape.?
In this newsletter edition we dive into what this can look like:
The Outwoods near Loughborough?
We've recently increased flood storage on Beacon Hill installing a new wetland area, leaky barriers and brushwood bundles, holding back the flow of water.? With over 150 features across the Outwoods and Beacon Hill, the features create a boggier hillside that can hold back more water during high flows. The natural flood management features operate in an area where other solutions can't, create and enhance habitat and also improve water quality of tributaries of the river Soar.?
This project is supported by the partnership between WWF?and Aviva.
Endon
Delivery of several natural flood management interventions were undertaken at two sites north of the village Endon in Staffordshire to help protect residents from frequent flooding. This involved the extension of a pond, an installation of a wetland system at one site and the creation of an earth bund at the second site. This project has had pre-monitoring equipment in place to measure river level response to rainfall which will continue throughout the coming winter to assess performance of these interventions. The project was funded by the Staffordshire County Council.
Breedon
Trent Rivers Trust recently extended a large pond and de-silted the existing areas of the pond on farmland in the upper Breedon catchment. These works have greatly increased water storage in the upstream rural catchment and boosted pond ecosystem health. This project complements 20 leaky barriers installed along the main brook and several connecting channels in October 2022.
The project was funded by the Environment Agency and delivered in partnership with Leicestershire County Council.
Woodborough
In 2023, Trent Rivers Trust delivered phase one?of the Woodborough natural flood management scheme to slow the flow of water to the village, including a range of bunds and leaky barriers. These temporarily hold water in the farmland upstream of Woodborough. In phase, we're?creating?additional flood storage near the Woodborough Beck to reduce the amount of rainwater reaching residential areas at once.
The work is funded by Nottinghamshire County Council.
Become flood aware
Worried about flooding? We compiled a few simple steps you can take at home and in your local community to become more flood-prepared.?
Own land?
We've created a guidebook explaining the measures available, considerations, cost and maintenance. If you're a farmer and you'd like to find out more about the solutions at hand, download your booklet and get in touch with the team to learn more about the sustainable farming incentives it supports.?
27th October 5:30 Come and meet us at the Mammoth cinema in Nottingham for a Q&A following a screening of the film 'Until the Last Drop' by Ewa Ewart.? Our Partnerships and Engagement Manager, Tom Aplin,will be available for a Q&A after the film.
3rd November March for Clean Water? Following an inspiring, community-fuelled call to 'Restore Nature Now' in July, we're flooding the streets again. This time?communities and environmental NGOs are calling for healthier, cleaner rivers full of wildlife. More info on the march below: