The new UK Environment Agency publications have filmed the latest research into natural flood management and helped us understand where it works best.
New work using the Natural Processes Evidence Directory demonstrates that nature can play a major role in improving the country’s resilience to flooding and coastal erosion.
The directory notified by important scientific research, including over 700 papers, compiled the latest evidence of 17 natural flood management (NFM) measures related to rivers and flood plains, forests, runoff, coastal and estuary management. It’s something.
NFM protects, restores and emulates the natural functions of rivers, flood plains, catchments and coastal shores to reduce flooding and coastal erosion. It takes many different forms and can be implemented in urban and rural areas, rivers, estuaries and coasts.
Which method of natural flood management is most effective?
The findings show that catchment forests not only help reduce the risk of flooding, but also benefit soil, biodiversity and water quality along with access to nature.
This review showed that catchment forests can reduce flood heights and the largest reduction occurs during small events. A study in Cumbria suggested that flood flow slowed by 14-50% compared to pasture.
The latest science also presents the great broad benefits of restoration of Saltmarsh and Mudflat, including the ability to store large quantities of carbon. It also filters sediments and nutrients to improve water quality.
The reorganization managed by Steart Marshes in Somerset created a 250 hectares of Saltmarsh. Recent studies have shown that the wetlands preserved 36.6 tonnes of carbon per hectare per year after restoration.
New measures to reduce flood risk
For the first time, the updated directory contains new evidence of three new methods of natural flood management.
It highlights the reduction and broader benefits of coastal coral reefs, submerged aquatic vegetation, and beavers.
There is still something to learn about these measures, such as effectively reducing wave energy, while understanding the best depth for oysters to grow and develop.
New work using Natural Processes Directory shows that NFM evidence has increased significantly, increasing confidence in reducing flood risk and broader benefits.
“We are pleased to announce that Julie Foley, director of the Environment Agency for Flood Risk Strategy and National Adaptation,” said Julie Foley.
“Our £25 million natural flood management program was shaped by manipulating the natural process evidence directory to test our approach to future investments and providing natural flood management.”
Combination of NFM techniques gives you the best results
New evidence also shows the benefits of combining multiple natural flood management measures.
The five-year Little Stockbroke Trial of Oxfordshire Rivers tested several measures simultaneously, including installing a wood dam, creating a new 230m water course, and planting a new 14.4 hectares of forest. The test is the result of a reduction in flood water heights of up to 55.2% in all storms analyzed.
Additionally, the Salmons Brook NFM project in Enfield, north London, planted 200 hectares of forest, reducing the width of the channel by 75% and installing 46 herds in rural catchments.
Modeling found that during the 25-year storm, this combination would reduce flood flow and peak water levels in urban areas by 10-30cm, increasing effectiveness with forest maturation .
Kathryn Brown, director of climate change and evidence at Wildlife Trusts, concluded: To see a new perception of the role that beavers can play in natural flood management. ”
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