Members of the SVWMS team setting up for the Shropshire County Show
The Severn Valley Water Management Scheme (SVWMS) team returned to the Shropshire County Show this year, using the opportunity to engage directly with farmers, landowners and rural businesses about its ongoing work across the Upper Severn catchment.
Throughout the day, more than 40 visitors to the stand spoke with the team about the Demonstrator Programme and the role it is playing in testing new approaches to water management.
Managed by Shropshire Council, the programme is exploring how a more joined-up approach to managing water, including working with natural processes, can help reduce flood risk, improve drought resilience and support the wider environment.
Pete Lambert, SVWMS Demonstrator Programme Manager, said:-
“The Shropshire County Show is always an important date in the calendar for us. It gives us the chance to speak directly with the farming community, answer questions and hear first-hand about the challenges people are facing.
“We’re working closely with farmers and landowners across Shropshire and Powys, and events like this help us explain why a more balanced, long-term approach to water management is needed.”
One of the most common topics raised during conversations on the stand was river dredging. The team explained that while it can appear to be a simple solution, large-scale dredging does not always reduce flood risk and in some cases can have unintended consequences, including disconnecting rivers from their floodplains.
Instead, the scheme is focused on building resilience through a combination of approaches, including natural flood management, land use change and, where appropriate, engineered solutions.
Tom Dainty, Shropshire Council deputy Cabinet member with responsibility for flooding, said:-
“Being at the Shropshire County Show gives us a real opportunity to take this work into the heart of the farming community.
“The Demonstrator Programme is helping us explore practical, nature-based solutions that protect communities while supporting biodiversity and the rural economy.”
The SVWMS team was joined at the show by colleagues from the National Flood Forum, who work with and support communities at risk of flooding.
The scheme will continue its engagement programme over the coming months as it develops options for a future water management strategy.
About the SVWMS: The SVWMS is a cross-border initiative led by the Environment Agency, in partnership with Natural Resources Wales, Powys County Council, and Shropshire Council, and funded by Defra. Its aim is to develop a holistic water management strategy for the upper Severn, which could serve as a model for similar projects nationwide.
To learn more and to have a say on the SVWMS emerging strategy visit: Have Your Say Today – Severn Valley Water Management Scheme – Commonplace
