The Urgent Need for Natural Flood Management

North Wales, a region known for its mountainous landscapes, sweeping beaches and thriving communities, is grappling with a pressing issue: coastal and river flooding. The combination of rising sea levels, increased rainfall, and the effects of climate change has heightened the vulnerability of this area. In response, the North Wales Rivers Trust is spearheading efforts to implement natural flood management strategies, offering hope for the protection and resilience of these communities.

The Rising Threat of Flooding

Coastal and river flooding has become a growing concern in North Wales, directly affecting both coastal areas and communities situated along rivers. The region's geographical characteristics, including its proximity to the sea and numerous river systems, make it particularly susceptible to flooding.

Climate change has played a significant role in exacerbating these flood risks. Rising global temperatures have led to increased rainfall, intensifying storm events. Additionally, melting glaciers and ice sheets have contributed to rising sea levels, leaving coastal areas more exposed to the destructive power of high tides and storm surges.

The Impact on Communities and Infrastructure

The consequences of flooding are far-reaching, posing threats to both human lives and vital infrastructure. Coastal communities face the risk of erosion, loss of property, and displacement due to rising sea levels. River flooding endangers homes, agricultural land, and critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and utilities. Furthermore, contaminated floodwaters can pose health risks to residents and wildlife alike.

Natural Flood Management as a Solution

Recognising the urgent need for effective flood mitigation, the North Wales Rivers Trust has taken a proactive approach by promoting natural flood management techniques. These strategies involve working with nature to manage water and reduce flood risks, emphasising sustainable and cost-effective solutions.

One of the primary objectives of natural flood management is to restore the natural hydrological functioning of rivers and their catchment areas. This approach involves implementing various measures to slow down and store water, reduce surface runoff, and enhance water infiltration into the soil. By restoring natural processes, the Trust aims to reduce the volume and velocity of water reaching vulnerable areas during heavy rainfall events.

Examples of Natural Flood Management Interventions

The North Wales Rivers Trust is actively engaged in developing and implementing natural flood management improvements across the region. These interventions include:

1. Constructing leaky woody dams: Strategically placed logs and branches in rivers slow down water flow, promote sediment retention, and create habitats for wildlife.

2. Creating wetland features: Constructing wetland areas near rivers and floodplains helps store excess water during heavy rainfall, acting as natural sponges and reducing flood peaks downstream.

3. Implementing riparian tree planting: Planting trees along riverbanks stabilizes the soil, intercepts rainfall, and improves water absorption, reducing the risk of erosion and flood runoff.

4. Restoring floodplain connectivity: Reconnecting rivers to their natural floodplains allows for controlled water storage during flood events, reducing the impact on downstream areas.

Community Engagement and Collaboration

The success of natural flood management relies on collaboration between the North Wales Rivers Trust, local communities, landowners, NRW and other stakeholders. The Trust actively engages with residents, providing education on flood risks, fostering community involvement, and seeking input on potential flood management projects. This collaborative approach ensures that local knowledge and concerns are integrated into the decision-making process, fostering a sense of ownership and resilience within the communities.

Contact flooding@northwalesriverstrust.org to get in touch with the team.