Landscapes can be restored in ways that reduce both flood risk and the effects of drought. For example, natural flood management measures such as blocking drainage channels, rewetting peat bogs, restoring ghost ponds and planting woodland allow the land to hold water longer, slow its release, and sustain the flow of water in rivers during dry periods that can help water conservation and reduce the risk of floods.
The 2022 roadmap for the National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) Strategy includes doubling the number of natural flood management projects delivered. However, this will require landowners, water companies, local authorities, regulators, environmental groups, and communities to work together to deliver shared outcomes. For example, approaches can include re-introduction of beavers, which can be contested by some landowners and communities.
This POSTnote will provide a summary of the benefits and challenges of using NBS to increase resilience to flood and drought events and update the 2020 Natural mitigation of flood risk POSTnote.
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