Natural Flood Management
In September 2023 the UK Government’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) unveiled a £25m funding programme to support dozens of projects that are centred around natural processes. This has been done to help mitigate the risk of flooding as a result of climate change.
What is Natural Flood Management?
Natural flood management (NFM) uses natural processes to reduce the risk of flooding. These processes protect, restore and mimic the natural functions of catchments, floodplains and the coast to slow down and store water. These include:
– Soil & Land Management – which will slow & store surface water run-off while also reducing soil erosion.
– River and Floodplain Management
– Woodland Management – introducing hedgerow and woodland which will support wetland complexes and the creation of new habitats.
– Run-off Management – such as leaky barriers, wet woodlands, ponds and wetlands to help slow and store high flows in upper catchments, reducing the chance and impact of flooding downstream.
– Coast & Estuary Management – expansion and enhancement of saltmarsh and sand dune systems that naturally break wave action and reduce the risk of tidal flooding to local communities.
NFM can also provide wider benefits including enhancing habitats and biodiversity. As well as improving water quality and the availability of drinking water.
Benefits of Natural Flood Management:
– Protect homes & businesses from flooding and coastal changes
– Enhances Habitats & Biodiversity
Research published last year indicated annual damage caused by flooding in the UK could increase by more than 20% due to the increasing severity of the climate crisis if national pledges to reach net-zero made at COP26 are not met in full.
Work will take place on these projects between now and 31 March 2027. This will involve a range of organisations including: