The Severn Valley Water Management Scheme and the National Flood Forum were represented at Shropshire County Show
The Severn Valley Water Management Scheme team has enjoyed a successful day at the Shropshire County Show putting the Demonstrator Programme in the spotlight and liaising with farmers and supporters of the agricultural community.
Members of the public and Shrewsbury MP Julia Buckley visited the stand and were able to ask questions about the SVWMS and learn more about the seven Demonstrator Projects.
In total seven projects are currently in progress under the programme, which is managed by Shropshire Council. Their aim is to test delivery of an integrated approach to water management and the role this can have in unlocking opportunities for growth and improved wellbeing by reinstating natural connections with the floodplain.
John Bellis, Shropshire Council flood risk manager, said:-
“The Shropshire County Show provided us with an excellent opportunity to meet with the farming community and extend our contact.
“The Demonstrator Projects focus on activities in the Upper Severn catchment area and while we are working closely with farmers and landowners on both sides of the border, in Powys and in Shropshire, it was a valuable opportunity for us to explain to a broader audience what we are doing and why we are doing it.
“One of the most commonly asked questions on the day was why we aren’t just dredging the river, but we are looking to build resilience and adopt a holistic approach to water management that includes periods of drought as well as flood events.
“Large-scale dredging is not always the solution to reduce flooding, and in many cases, it can make matters worse. Making a river deeper may seem a logical thing to do to reduce flood risk, but in reality, this does not mean that it can cope with the additional amount of flood water and can disconnect the floodplains in places which reduced the river’s capacity to self-regulate floodwaters.”
David Vasmer, Shropshire Council Cabinet member with responsibility for the environment, added:-
“The SVWMS Demonstrator Programme supports biodiversity and allows us to manage environmental issues with nature-based solutions.
“They represent a significant step forward in our efforts to protect communities and enhance our natural environment and by attending the Shropshire County Show the SVWMS team was able o take that message to the heart of the farming community.”
The SVWMS team was supported by colleagues from the National Flood Forum, the charity assisting and representing communities at risk of floods.
The SVWMS is preparing a new round of consultation later this year where it will reveal a number of scenarios involving Land Use Change and Restoration, Natural Flood Management and Engineered Flood Storage which could be implemented to create a final water management strategy.
The team will be attending three more events over the summer, building on the success of the public engagement undertaken in late 2024/early 2025.
- Welshpool: Monday 16 June, 2pm – 7pm, Town Hall, Corn Exchange Room, 42 Broad Street, SY21 7JQ
- Royal Welsh Show: Wednesday 23 July, 9am – 5pm
- Melverley: Monday 18 August, The Royal Hill Pub, Edgerley, Oswestry SY10 8ES
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 SVWMS: The SVWMS, is a partnership between the EA, Natural Resources Wales, Powys County Council and Shropshire Council with the intention to tackle flooding, support thriving communities and create resilient environments through sustainable and holistic water management.
