Nature Based Solutions & Natural Flood Management

Working with nature for better flood and ecosystem resilience

This theme will look to support a scaling up of flood resilience programmes that include Natural Flood management (NFM) and Nature Based Solutions (NBS).

NFM measures range from restoring river bends to increasing the water holding capacity of soils or strategically planting trees. Alongside reducing flood risk, NFM can achieve multiple benefits by restoring habitats, improving water quality and making catchments more resilient to the impacts of climate change.

Our aim is to develop solutions and answer questions that currently represent gaps around areas related to planning, governance and long-term funding and management. We will promote better recognition and communication of the benefits of NFM and wider NBS for landowners, communities, investors and local authorities.

Five priorities within this theme are:-

Facilitate investment and long term maintenance through the development of Aire Resilience Company – ARC (a special purpose vehicle for investment and governance) and share learning between landscape scale NBS projects across West Yorkshire and beyond.

Review and address gaps around the weak regulation of design and construction of NBS; legal framework for ownership and maintenance of NBS; streamlining planning and consenting requirements, planning and Biodiversity Net Gain across West Yorkshire; Environment Land Management Scheme.

Work with the South Pennines Fire Operations Group, partners and landowners to build climate change resilience, particularly around fire risk on moorlands.

Trial low- cost water level monitoring to improve our evidence of the impact of NFM measures

Work with existing farmer networks to scale-up guidance to farmers and landowners.

Our aim is not to duplicate work, but to work with our partners to share learning, encourage best practice and address any gaps.

An engagement tool – promoting NFM to farmers and landowners

Watch our video’s to see how farm advisors in the Aire and Calder catchments are working with farmers and landowners to identify opportunities for funding, design, and implement the best NFM measures to suit their land.

Ordinary Watercourse Land Drainage Consent

To carry out work affecting a river, stream, drain, culvert or structure which water may flow through, you need to apply for an Ordinary Watercourse Land Drainage Consent. Have a look at our resources on where to find advice here.