The SVWMS Demonstrator Project is looking at re-wetting peatlands
Landowners in the Severn catchment area are being invited to explore the opportunity of re-wetting land to support peatlands and develop nature-based water management.
The Severn Valley Water Management Scheme (SVWMS) is working with Shropshire Wildlife Trust to deliver a Demonstrator Project as part of its aim to develop a water management strategy focused on reducing flood risk and delivering broader benefits to the Severn catchment area and beyond.
The SVWMS, is made up of the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales, Powys County Council and Shropshire Council.
The Perry and Peatlands Demonstrator Project, managed by Shropshire Council, focuses on implementing nature-based solutions to manage water flow and reduce flood risk by creating a series of interventions, such as floodplain reconnection and wetland creation, to slow the flow of water and enhance habitats.
To do this the team at Shropshire Wildlife Trust (SWT) will be working directly with the landowners and farmers who will be leading the design of the types of measures and landscape changes they believe will help in future flood risk reduction.
Rosie Morrant, who is leading the project for SWT, said:-
“We have already started talking to farmers and landowners and there is an appetite to get involved in the project where it is appropriate.
“This project is a great opportunity to bring their knowledge and insights into the future of flood management in the Middle Severn catchment starting with a close look at the landscape of the River Perry.”
Pete Lambert, SVWMS Demonstrator Project programme manager, added:-
“The farmers of north Shropshire are very familiar with flooding and with their land, many have already taken part in previous water management schemes, including rewetting peatlands of which there are many in the north of the county.
“This project is a great opportunity to bring their knowledge and insights into the future of flood management in the Middle Severn catchment starting with a close look at the landscape of the River Perry.”
Subject to surveys, licensing agreements and seasonal restrictions the Perry and Peatlands Demonstrator Project will be looking to begin the practical work of floodplain reconnections and re-wetting of peatlands from August this year.
Pete added:-
“The Demonstrator Projects are examples of best practice and show how by playing our own part we can all influence the wider water management strategy for the benefit of all.”
People can also keep up to date with progress of the scheme and all the latest news and events by viewing the SVWMS website, which seeks feedback from those with an interest in the scheme.
About the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme (SVWMS)
Severn Valley Water Management Scheme (SVWMS) is led by a partnership of the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales, Shropshire Council and Powys County Council.
It has been developed in response to significant flooding of the River Severn in recent decades which has damaged homes and businesses, impacted local infrastructure and disrupted travel. This project aims to better protect over 3,000 homes and 1,000 businesses from flood risk across the upper Severn catchment in England and Wales.
The project also seeks to support the management of long-term water resources, with recent periods of prolonged dry weather having resulted in the need for action to minimise the environmental damage from low water flows. As an example of these extremes, in 2022 the Upper Severn catchment went from winter flooding to drought within the space of 8 months, with groundwater and reservoir stores being used to support the people and wildlife who depend on the water supply provided by the Severn.
To help address these issues, the SVWMS is adopting a regenerative approach, meaning that interventions will seek to positively contribute to addressing the climate crisis and halting biodiversity decline, whilst also providing significant flood risk benefits. It will investigate interventions including natural flood risk management measures that slow the flow of water upstream such as the creation of leaky dams and other land management practices, as well as engineered solutions such as the construction of flood storage areas and embankments.
