River management and flood events
A number of initiatives have taken place since the floods of 2009 and in the follow-up to storm Desmond in December 2015.
In October 2012, the EA introduced a new flood mapping system which you can read about here and sign up to receive flood warnings.
New Guidance from the Environment Agency for those living next to a watercourse
A new publication updates rights and responsibilities in an easy to follow guide. View here
Natural Flood Management
A major part of the approach to flood management is by utilising natural processes. Examples relevant to the Melbreak Communities area include: restoring bends in rivers and changing the way land is managed so soil can absorb more water.
The West Cumbria Rivers Trust has played a major role in supporting farmers and landowners with many natural flood management initiatives in this area. Their work and projects can be viewed here.
If you want to learn more about how this works, the Environment Agency has published data, case studies and evidence about the role of natural flood management. This link takes you to the entry page. There are links to more than 60 case studies and other documents.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/natural-flood-management-part-of-the-nations-flood-resilience
The papers include an interesting set of 15 one-page summaries of evidence and case studies about natural processes. This link takes you directly to that document.
Derek Poate – July 2024
The Melbreak Communities 