County council works with nature to prevent flooding

Climate change is increasing the risk of flooding, but the council is committed to creating a greener Gloucestershire and is investing in flooding resilience. Every year the council spend £2.1 million on flood prevention and highway drainage. For example, large water storage areas have been created in Cheltenham to protect residents. In Nailsworth, underground drainage has been improved to reduce the flood risk to the town centre. 

In the Forest of Dean, natural flood management schemes are working with nature by installing 'leaky dams' and reconnecting flood plains to slow the flow of water through the landscape. Natural flood management schemes are a sustainable and low-cost solution to building long-term flood resilience, with the added bonus of boosting biodiversity in the Forest. 

The Flood Forum (May 2024), brought together speakers in a concerted effort to promote the exciting and valuable work carried by those who respond to and deal with flooding, and demonstrate the collaborative working between these organisations.  

A selection of over 50 attendees heard from Gloucestershire County Council, Severn Trent Water and the Environment Agency as well as having the opportunity to ask questions and develop collective thinking on tackling flooding. 

They covered how agencies work together, manage flooding, plan ahead, respond during an incident, and take a whole-catchment approach to working with nature to help reduce the impacts of future flooding. A question-and-answer session raised important challenges on how agencies engage with communities, how they work with farmers and how development can be better managed. 

The event took place at the University of Gloucestershire’s Park Campus and provided a kick off point for further collaboration and joint working which following its success is set to be repeated in the future. 

Cllr. Dom Morris, cabinet member for flooding and highways said “We are developing a range of schemes across the county to reduce the risk of flooding. The Flood Forum demonstrated how determined we are to join forces and work collaboratively with our partners to build flood resilience. It's clear there’s a lot we’re doing and we have a lot of ideas for further collaboration. I’m keen to repeat this event and to enhance the way we involve our communities to ensure people are better informed and engaged with the work we’re doing to tackle flooding in the county.”

The council's Flood Guide offers advice to residents and businesses concerned about a flood risk to their property.