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Further information, consultation materials, and feedback forms will be available at: https://severnvalleywatermanagementscheme.commonplace.is/proposals/severn-valley-water-management-strategy-public-consultation/step1

Enquiries and comments can be directed to SVWMS@environment-agency.gov.uk

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Outline plans for a new rain garden at Oswestry’s Central Carpark are being presented to the town council this month and at a public drop-in session at OsNosh on September 17.

The Oswestry De-pave demonstrator project, managed by Shropshire Council and led by Shropshire Wildlife Trust (SWT) as part of the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme (SVWMS), focuses on using nature-based solutions to tackle water management challenges across the region.

It is anticipated the proposed rain garden will:

• Reduce surface water runoff in the carpark.
• Absorb rainfall through planted and contoured soil areas.
• Introduce native and pollinator-friendly wildflower verges.
• Improve absorption into soil.

Project lead, Jenna Shaw from SWT, said: “For years, heavy rainfall has caused water to pool at the entrance of Central Carpark, making nearby parking spaces unusable and creating safety concerns.

“The rain garden will help absorb and redirect rainwater, reducing surface runoff and improving drainage—all while creating a beautiful, green space for residents and visitors to enjoy.”

Pete Lambert, SVWMS demonstrator project manager, said: “This project is a shining example of how small-scale local action can support climate resilience. By replacing hard surfaces with green infrastructure, Oswestry is being invited to take a proactive step in managing flood risk while enhancing the town’s natural beauty.”

Local Shropshire Councillor Duncan Kerr, added: “Projects such as this reflect a shared commitment to sustainability, community wellbeing, and working with nature—not against it.

“I think it would be a very welcome addition to our urban landscape and will ease the issues with surface water flooding the car park.”

The SWT will appoint contractors to construct the rain garden and it will be funded through the De-Pave project.

Jenna will be at OsNosh from 10.30am to 1pm on September 17 to talk to people about the project and the goals of the Oswestry De-pave project.

Town councillors are being asked to support the proposal, which is part of the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme’s (SVWMS) Oswestry De-pave demonstrator project, when they meet on September 10.

The Severn Rivers Trust (SRT) has supported a community collaboration in Guilsfield in a hands on nature based project through the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme (SVWMS).

Members of the Guilsfield Village WI joined in with weaving living willow fish nest boxes and then Year 6 pupils from Guilsfield Primary School and WI members helped place them in the local brook, led by SRT river restoration officer Dewi Morris and catchment assistant, Charlotte Davies.

The children also took part in river health monitoring, sampling invertebrates and learning about the importance of habitat enhancement.

The baskets, crafted from willow and lined with sacking strips, provide refuge for aquatic invertebrates during high-flow events, supporting the ecological health of the brook

Dewi said: “I spent a very pleasant evening weaving the living willow fish nest boxes with the Guilsfield WI and after soaking them in water so that the willow was rooted, I was helped by Charlotte as we took the children down to the Guilsfield Brook local to them to sample the invertebrates and find out more about the health of their river and install the living willow fish nest boxes.”

Tom Dainty Shropshire Council deputy cabinet member with responsibility for the environment, added: “This is a marvellous project that has captured the community’s imagination. The crafting of the nesting boxes was undoubtedly a great hands-on experience for the WI group and the children will have learned so much about the brook’s habitat and ecology by being out of the classroom and in the brook.

“Thanks to Dewi and Charlotte for being so actively involved in the community and engaging people in their work on behalf of the demonstrator project and the wider SVWMS.”

The community initiative was delivered as part of the Guilsfield Demonstrator Project, managed by Shropshire Council, and developed to help inform the SVWMS as it creates a holistic water management strategy for the upper Severn catchment.

The wetland forms part of the Rea Brook demonstrator project - one of eight demonstrator projects, managed by Shropshire Council, informing the SVWMS.

The wetland proposal was initiated by the landowner who wanted to reduce flood risk to the nearby A-road and surrounding areas and they worked with the Severn Rivers Trust, which is leading delivery of the Rea Brook demonstrator project, to design and deliver the system that balances ecological sensitivity with flood mitigation.

Constructed in June 2025, the design features a large offline pool and a series of smaller scrapes designed to slow the flow of water from surrounding hills and residential areas before it reaches the Rea Brook.

Cecilia Young, catchment officer with the Severn Rivers Trust, said: “The design was carefully adapted following ecological surveys to protect species-rich habitats, demonstrating a commitment to biodiversity alongside flood resilience.

“The project also served as a test case for navigating planning and regulatory frameworks, resulting in a unique agreement between Shropshire Council and the Rea Internal Drainage Board to streamline permissions under the Demonstrator scheme.

“We are looking forward to collating the data and seeing how this wetland will prove the benefits of nature-based solutions to water management.”

Pete Lambert, Demonstrator projects manager, said: “This project is a testament to what can be achieved when landowners, local authorities, and environmental organisations work together.

 “The landowner’s vision, flexibility, and commitment were instrumental in overcoming challenges and delivering a wetland that will benefit both people and nature.”

Monitoring equipment, including a camera trap and gauge board, will be installed to track the wetland’s performance over time, ensuring the system continues to deliver flood storage benefits and informing future projects across the region.

The SVWMS is a Strategy being developed by a cross-border, multi-agency collaboration to reduce flood risk to people and infrastructure across the Upper Severn. The unique partnership of the Environment Agency, National Resources Wales, Shropshire Council and Powys County Council, is producing a Strategy which will propose a nature-positive framework of interventions across the catchment, combining the best of both nature-based solution and traditional engineering.

Further opportunities for public engagement will be announced in the coming months. To stay up to date make sure you’re signed up for the latest news here: https://severnvalleywatermanagementscheme.commonplace.is/proposals/events/step1

The event, staged by our partners at the Shropshire Wildlife Trust (SWT), aligned with the national summer reading challenge and was successful in drawing in families, local residents, and curious minds eager to learn about nature-based flood management and the future of water resilience in the town.

Visitors of all ages were able to find out about the Oswestry De-pave demonstrator project—one of eight initiatives, managed by Shropshire Council and informing the wider Severn Valley Water Management Scheme (SVWMS).

The SWT organised a range of children’s activities and  project officer Jenna Shaw was on hand to talk about how green infrastructure can transform urban spaces and reduce surface water flooding highlighting the project's potential to make Oswestry a greener, healthier, and more climate-resilient town.

Jenna said: “We’re thrilled by the level of interest and support shown by the community. It was fantastic to see so many people—especially young ones—engaging with the ideas behind the Oswestry De-pave project and the wider SVWMS. Thank you to everyone who came along, asked questions, and shared their thoughts. Your enthusiasm is what drives these projects forward and helps us shape a more sustainable future for Oswestry.”

Councillor Tom Dainty, Shropshire Council deputy cabinet member with responsibility for the environment, added:  I am pleased to see the Oswestry De-pave project is having a far reach across the community and encouraging young people to get on board with learning about the influence they and we can have on our futures.”

The project is aimed at making public spaces in urban Oswestry more water-friendly. It focuses on implementing green infrastructure such as green roofs, tree pits, rain gardens, and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), which will allow water to soak into the ground more easily, reducing surface water flooding and improving climate resilience.

The project is one of eight demonstrator projects which feed into the SVWMS’ broader vision to tackle flood risk and improve water management across the Upper Severn catchment.

Earlier this month the work of the Rea Brook demonstrator project was on show to the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC).

The visit formed part of the EAC’s ongoing inquiry into flood resilience in England, with a focus on how local communities, businesses, and landowners are working together to respond to increasing flood risks driven by climate change. Members of the SVWMS project team were able to share some of the challenges and opportunities facing the catchment and ensure that consideration is given to future approaches to water management, particularly in rural communities.

The first part of the visit focused on the benefits of natural flood management and incorporated a visit to Hanwood, near Shrewsbury, to learn about the Rea Brook demonstrator project.

Managed by Shropshire Council and led by the Severn Rivers Trust working with local landowners, the project has demonstrated how leaky dams, wetland restoration, and land use changes can slow water flow, reduce peak flood levels, and enhance biodiversity.

Members of the Environmental Audit Committee were hosted by the Rea Brook Demonstrator team (Image: Shropshire Council) 

Later during the visit, the group also met with the community-led Minsterley Flood Action Group, which monitors and reports on rainfall and drainage conditions and works closely with flood risk management authorities to find solutions to their flooding. Malehurst Farm in the Rea Brook catchment also featured, with farmers sharing how grassland and drainage management support natural flood management.

The visit was organised by the River Severn Partnership. Ross Cook, co-chair of the RSP, said: “We hope the insights gathered by the EAC will help shape future policy and investment in flood risk management.”

Will Shaw, Project Executive for the SVWMS commented that “we’re really grateful for the events being hosted by Powys County Council, Natural Resources Wales and Shropshire Council. Their active support on this transformative scheme makes it much more linked to local needs.”

As part of this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, which is promoting nature and gardens as its theme, partners from the Shropshire Wildlife Trust will be in the town’s library with a range of children’s activities and the chance for people to learn more about the Oswestry De-pave demonstrator project.

The Oswestry De-pave project is one of eight demonstrator projects, managed by Shropshire Council and informing the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme (SVWMS), an ambitious, cross-border initiative designed to tackle flood risk and improve water resilience across the Upper Severn catchment in both England and Wales.

The project is being delivered by Shropshire Wildlife Trust.

Project officer Jenna Shaw said: "The De-pave project is aimed at making public spaces in urban Oswestry more water-friendly."

“It focuses on adapting these spaces by implementing green infrastructure such as green roofs, tree pits, rain gardens, and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), which will allow water to soak into the ground more easily, reducing surface water flooding and improving climate resilience.

“This all fits nicely around this year’s Summer Reading Challenge and we thought it would be an opportunity to capture the imagination of young people with a number of activities and it will be a chance for us to speak to people about the wider ambitions of the SVWMS and the opportunities to make a difference in Oswestry too.”

This is a free, family-friendly event from 10am on July 29 and no booking is required. Just drop in and join the conversation about how we can make Oswestry greener, healthier, and more resilient for the future.

Tom Dainty, Shropshire Council deputy cabinet member with responsibility for the environment, added: “Our libraries are an excellent point of contacts and places for people to find out about subjects they may not have given a second thought.

“I am pleased to see the Oswestry De-pave project is having a far reach across the community and encouraging young people to get on board with learning about the influence they and we can have on our futures."

For ongoing updates and the opportunity to share your views, please visit the SVWMS website.

People can also keep up to date with progress of the scheme and all the latest news and events by viewing the new SVWMS website, which seeks feedback from those with an interest in the scheme.

The Oswestry de-pave project, one of the seven demonstrator projects being managed by Shropshire Council, will see Shropshire Wildlife Trust (SWT) working to identify areas in the town that can be used to manage rainwater more effectively.

Project lead Jenna Shaw from SWT, said: “The project focuses on adapting these spaces by looking at ways to introduce and improve green infrastructure such as green roofs, tree pits, rain gardens, and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS).

“These allow water to soak into the ground more easily, reducing surface water flooding and improving resilience.

“Work has already started and we have funded two new green bus shelter roofs in the town which will not only capture rainwater and slow its release down to help reduce surface water flooding, but will bring ecological benefits too.

“I am keen to hear from people who may have ideas about sites that could be adapted and with ideas of how to make changes, no idea is too small to be considered and hopefully the project will influence future strategies so water-friendly sites are built into our urban area.”

David Vasmer, Shropshire Council Cabinet member with responsibility for the environment, said: “All of the SVWMS 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.

“The learnings from the Oswestry de-pave project will help inform how we can manage our urban environments elsewhere to reduce flood risk, improve resilience and our environment.”

Anyone wanting to suggest an opportunity for the Oswestry de-pave project can contact Jenna by email at jennas@shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk

The Severn Valley Water Management Scheme (SVWMS) team 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 eight Demonstrator Projects.

In total eight 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.

Pete Lambert, SVWMS Demonstrator Programme manager, from the Environment Agency 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 where  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. 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, 2-7pm, Town Hall, Corn Exchange Room, 42 Broad Street, SY21 7JQ
• Royal Welsh Show: Wednesday 23 July, 9am-5pm
• Edgerley: 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.

The team will be at this year’s Shropshire County Agricultural Show as it continues research and the development of water management opportunities for the Upper Severn.

The team will be on hand to talk to Show visitors and exhibitors to explore more ways to work with local communities, farmers and landowners and further develop its successful Demonstrator Programme.

In total eight projects are currently in progress under the Demonstrator Programme. 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.

Pete Lambert, SVWMS Demonstrator Programme manager, from the Environment Agency said: “Learning from the development and delivery of the projects is helping inform the broader strategy options and we want to encourage people who are able to take part in these projects to do so.

“We already have case studies where nature-based water management solutions have made a real difference, for example improving bio-diversity by holding and storing water.

“Our intention is to work with people who know their land and to tap into that wealth of knowledge and experience to further develop strategies and attending the Shropshire Show provides us with an excellent opportunity to meet with these people in person.”

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.

As well as the Shropshire County Show 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. Members of the team will be at the following locations:

• Welshpool: Monday 16 June, 2-7pm, Town Hall, Corn Exchange Room, 42 Broad Street, SY21 7JQ
• Royal Welsh Show: Wednesday 23 July, 9am-5pm
• Edgerley: Monday 18 August, 2-7pm, The Royal Hill Pub, Edgerley, Oswestry SY10 8ES

The Shropshire County Agricultural Show is at the West Mid Showground, Berwick Road, Shrewsbury on Saturday May 24.

For more information on the scheme, including the latest news and updates, please follow our website: https://severnvalleywatermanagementscheme.commonplace.is 

Shropshire Wildlife Trust, who is delivering the demonstrator project, has overseen oxygen boosting sedums and wildflower planted on the roofs of the replacement bus shelters on Black Gate Street and on Willow Street.

Pete Lambert, SVWMS demonstrator project manager, said: “The Depave project is an initiative aimed at making public spaces in urban Oswestry more water-friendly.

“It focuses on adapting these spaces by implementing green infrastructure such as green roofs, tree pits, rain gardens, and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), which will allow water to soak into the ground more easily, reducing surface water flooding and improving climate resilience.”

Luke Neal, for Shropshire Wildlife Trust, added: “We are delighted to be working  with Oswestry Town Council under the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme to bring these new green bus shelters to the town.

“Not only will they capture rainwater and slow its release down to help reduce surface water flooding, but they will have ecological benefits by being attractive to bees and pollinators.

“It all starts with small steps and we will be working hard to deliver more schemes like this one so that little bits of nature can help us a little bit more.”

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.

The Demonstrator Programme, managed by Shropshire Council, is being delivered across the Upper Severn catchment and provide an opportunity to both showcase nature-based solutions in action, as well as test new concepts and research ideas that will support the longer-term approach to water management at a catchment scale.

It is anticipated that the programme will deliver 108 hectares of improved habitat and 11.5 kilometres of improved river habitat before it concludes in 2027.

Details of the individual projects can be found here on the SVWMS website.

The Severn Rivers Trust, which is delivering the SVWMS project to use nature-based solutions to help inform a new water management strategy for the upper Severn, collaborated with staff from a Shrewsbury firm to plant the woodland.

The software company, SuperByte, brought a team of employees, directors, and staff to plant the trees at Tirnewydd Farm, Guilsfield.

The new woodland, planted on the site of a previous ancient woodland, will serve as a valuable wildlife habitat and a natural flood management solution. The trees will intercept overland flow from rainfall, directing the water through their root systems into the underlying soil, helping to slow down the transfer of rainfall in the upper River Severn valley.

SuperByte's director and founder, Simon Russell, said: "SuperByte's health and well-being environmental volunteering day went really well and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

“There was some real pride in our effort knowing the woodland we helped to create will grow a valuable wildlife habitat and natural flood management solution."

Severn Rivers Trust catchment officer Dewi Morris and catchment assistant Charlotte Davies oversaw the planting.

Dewi Morris added: "SuperByte's staff had a great day out and quickly and efficiently planted a wonderful woodland fuelled by their enthusiasm, teamwork, and the hot drinks and loads of homemade cake!"

The new woodland at Tirnewydd Farm has been planted as part of one of the SVWMS’ eight demonstrator projects, managed by Shropshire Council.

The project is using natural flood management to reduce flood risk to a number of homes as well as the B4392 and A490 roads. It will also provide information on the economic benefits of soil and water management on rural land.

Working with landowners it has provided helpful learning and information on the potential value of future environmental management within farm businesses.

The results and learnings from the project will be vital to developing the wider SVWMS which will incorporate catchment-based approaches to reduce flood risk for up to 3,000 properties and 1,000 businesses across the upper and middle Severn.

Farmers are being encouraged to join the conversation and influence the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme’s (SVWMS) Perry and Peatlands Demonstrator Project in north Shropshire.

SVWMS, which comprises the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales, Powys County Council and Shropshire Council, is working with Shropshire Wildlife Trust (SWT) to develop a water management strategy focused on reducing flood risk and delivering broader benefits to the Severn catchment area and beyond.

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.

Consultants Faulkner and Mayne have been supporting the North Shropshire Farmers Group and promoting the project.

Sarah Faulkner said: “Many farmers are already looking for water management solutions and ways of mitigating climate change.

“They can see the potential in water management and flood controls and recognise the opportunities open to them by getting involved and influencing the types of measures and landscape changes they believe will help in future flood risk reduction.

“We have hosted workshops over recent months and enjoyed some positive, open discussions which we are sure will help inform the Perry and Peatlands Demonstrator Project and bring some positive results.”

Rosie Morrant, who is leading the project on behalf of SWT, said: “The farmers of north Shropshire are very familiar with the impact of flooding on their land and many have already taken part in flood management schemes before.

“This project supports farmer led design of schemes, and is a great opportunity to bring their knowledge and insights into the future of flood management in the Severn catchment, starting with a close look at the landscape of the River Perry and its neighbouring catchments.

“Some of the farmer led suggestions that have already come forward include leaky wood barriers and field drain re-wiggling to slow the flow of water, and the creation of wetland scrapes or attenuation pools to tackle areas of surface water flooding. These natural flood management features also have an added biodiversity benefit. We are also supporting farmers to investigate solutions for wetter land management and green finance options for peatland rewetting.”

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.

If you are a farmer or landowner and have ideas for water management or attenuation on your land, then please contact Sarah Faulkner on sarah@fmagri.co.uk

Future Perry and Peatlands workshops and events will be publicised via the North Shropshire Farmers Group – please contact Sarah Glazebrook-Milner sarah@thecountryoffice.co.uk to sign up to the mailing list.

Work is beginning on a nature restoration project at the National Trust’s Attingham Estate supported by the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme (SVWMS).

The project is one of the SVWMS’ eight demonstrator projects to have received funding and will test approaches that aim to reduce flood risk within the upper River Severn catchment area.  

By making changes including creating wetlands, restoring ghost ponds, and planting trees to slow the flow of water through the estate, land on the Attingham Estate has the potential to store an additional 22,000 cubic metres of water.  

Cronkhill before

Cronkhill after

Pete Lambert, SVWMS Demonstrator Project Manager, said: "This collaborative effort is energetic and inspiring, driving research into future economics, creating the conditions for inward investment and setting out how land and water management might be shaped.

“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.”

Jane Birch, National Trust Project Manager, added: “We’re delighted to be receiving funding through the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme to help us to ramp up our ambitions for nature recovery at Attingham Estate. By demonstrating how to harness the power of nature to improve water management across a complex landscape we hope to inspire wider adoption of similar approaches.” 

The National Trust will be working with the tenant and farmer and volunteers to help deliver the project and its effects will be reported to help inform the wider SVWMS proposal which seeks to preserve and enhance the Upper Severn catchment by creating thriving communities and resilient environments through sustainable and holistic water management including nature-based and engineered solutions.

The spotlight was very much on the Demonstrator Projects at the latest community drop-in session hosted by the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme team.

The multi-agency team welcomed over 50 people to the information session which was held in Oswestry Memorial Hall on Monday 13 January.

The Demonstrator Projects, and the Morda Depave project in particular, piqued people’s interest.

Local councillor and Shropshire Council Cabinet member Robert Macey also attended.

He said: “I am impressed that there has been such a large turnout for this event and people have obviously been inspired by the Morda Depave project, which is local to the area and shows how natural water management initiatives can be of value in urban areas.

“It is reassuring to see work is already in progress to develop a number of options to be considered for the upper Severn which will go some way to alleviating our flood risk and improve the resilience of our communities.

“I am certain the proposals will generate much interest and debate and I think it is important to stay informed and participate in the discussion.”

The Morda Depave project focuses on adapting urban spaces by implementing green infrastructure such as green roofs, tree pits, rain gardens, and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS). These features help increase water permeability, which means they allow water to soak into the ground more easily, reducing surface water flooding and improving climate resilience.

The project is one of many Demonstrator Projects helping inform the wider SVWMS goal of bringing numerous benefits to communities and businesses across the Severn catchment in England and Wales, including:

• Improved Flood Risk Management: By implementing a combination of measures, the project will help slow the flow of water upstream, reducing the risk of flooding in downstream areas.
• Enhanced Biodiversity: The project will contribute to halting biodiversity decline by creating and improving habitats such as wetlands, reed beds, and woodlands. This will support a diverse range of plant and animal species.
• Climate Resilience: The regenerative approach of the SVWMS will positively contribute to addressing the climate crisis by enhancing the natural environment’s ability to absorb and store carbon.
• Social Value: The project will engage local communities and involve them in the decision-making process, fostering a sense of ownership and stewardship over the natural environment.
• Economic Benefits: By improving water management and reducing flood risks, the project can protect local businesses and infrastructure, contributing to the overall economic resilience of the region.

The project is investigating a combination of sustainable land use management, in conjunction with current land uses, up-scaled nature-based solutions, and sensitive engineering methods to improve flood risk resilience and water management in the catchment area.

The next public drop-in session will be held in Shrewsbury at the Shropshire Wildlife Trust in Abbey Foregate on Wednesday 29 January from 2pm to 7pm.

Attendance is free and there’s no need to book.

Attendees had the opportunity to interact directly with the project team, who provided detailed presentations and visual displays outlining the Scheme's objectives and highlighting the work of the Demonstrator Projects which will help inform the development of the SVWMS Strategy.

Participants expressed appreciation for the clear and comprehensive information provided, especially regarding flood prevention measures, nature-based solutions and environmental conservation efforts.

The interactive format allowed residents to ask questions, and offer valuable insights, which were discussed openly with the project team.

Members of the community give their thoughts on the Scheme

Llanidloes councillor Glyn Preston attended. He said: “I was pleased to see so many people had heard about the community drop-in event and took the opportunity to come and talk to the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme team.

“I found it a very informative event and it was good to see cross-border partnership working so well. It is clear the intention is to develop a strategy to be implemented in Both Wales and England that it will deliver environmental, economic and social benefits on both sides of the border.”

Local colleagues from the National Flood Forum (NFF) were also present to talk about the support the forum offers.

The NFF can advise and support communities in flood risk areas to develop their own flood action group. A flood action group is made up of a core of local people who act as a representative voice for their wider community and NFF can provide the tools to ensure their success and sustainability. The NFF also supports the group to work in partnership with the all the right professionals that are needed.

SVWMS is hosting three more community drop-in sessions which will be held on the following dates, between 2 and 7pm:   

• 10 December – Meifod – Meifod Cobra Rugby Club, Meifod, SY22 6HF
• 13 January – Oswestry – Oswestry Memorial Hall, Smithfield Street, Oswestry, SY11 2EG
• 29 January – Shrewsbury – Shropshire Wildlife Trust, 193 Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury SY2 6AH

These sessions, which coincide with briefings for local parish and community councils in Powys and Shropshire, are free to attend and open to everyone.

Anyone interested in applying for a position on the action research board can fill in an application form here before the closing date which is Friday 8 November.

We asked for your thoughts and feedback on a Vision Document, which set out a broad approach to water management for the catchment that will form the basis for the development of a more detailed Strategy, and a Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report which outlined how sustainability will be incorporated into the decision-making process supporting the development of that Strategy.

Overall, participants responded positively to a catchment-based approach to water management, the exploration of nature-based solutions and the sustainable objectives the partnership are seeking to achieve. 

The consultation, which ran from 9 April – 21 May 2024, received 66 responses from a range of individuals and organisations representing different interests across Wales and England. 

Thank you to:

• Bausley with Criggion Community Council

• Cadw

• Country Land and Business Association

• Cyngor Sir Powys County Council

• Gorge Parish Council

• IDD Management Group / ADA Wales

• Kinnerley Parish Council

• Melverley Flood Forum

• Melverley Internal Drainage Board

• Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust

• National Farmers Union 

• Natural Resources Wales

• Pool Quay / Clywedog / Vyrnwy Liaison Group

• Protect Hafren and Glaslyn 

• Save our Severn 

• Severn Trent Water

• Severn Uplands Forum

• Shrewsbury Business Chamber 

• Water Resources West

• Natural England 

• Various – private individuals and business owners

• The communities across Shropshire and Powys
  
  

Common themes and our response

We have set out some of the common themes that you raised with us and the way in which we will incorporate your feedback as we progress with the development of the Strategy.

Next steps

There is lots of activity taking place in the coming months including:

• The team are updating the Sustainability Appraisal methodology for the next phase of the project in line with feedback received

• We will launch a new online engagement hub and social media channels in September 2024

• We will launch a new project newsletter to keep you up to date on the latest developments

• We will hold a number of workshops with key stakeholders to test early thinking around the scale of potential interventions from nature-based to engineered 

• We will be out and about in your communities talking about the project and giving you an opportunity to find out more and meet some of the team – we’ll publish a calendar of events on the new online engagement hub. 

People can also keep up to date with progress of the scheme and all the latest news and events by viewing the new SVWMS website, which seeks feedback from those with an interest in the scheme.

The project is investigating a combination of sustainable land use management, in conjunction with current land uses, up-scaled nature-based solutions, and sensitive engineering methods to improve flood risk resilience and water management in the catchment area.

If delivered, the SVWMS will bring numerous benefits to communities and businesses across the Severn catchment in England and Wales:

• Improved Flood Risk Management: By implementing a combination of measures, the project will help slow the flow of water upstream, reducing the risk of flooding in downstream areas. 
• Enhanced Biodiversity: The project will contribute to halting biodiversity decline by creating and improving habitats such as wetlands, reed beds, and woodlands. This will support a diverse range of plant and animal species. 
• Climate Resilience: The regenerative approach of the SVWMS will positively contribute to addressing the climate crisis by enhancing the natural environment's ability to absorb and store carbon. 
• Social Value: The project will engage local communities and involve them in the decision-making process, fostering a sense of ownership and stewardship over the natural environment. 
• Economic Benefits: By improving water management and reducing flood risks, the project can protect local businesses and infrastructure, contributing to the overall economic resilience of the region.

David McKnight, Environment Agency Area Flood and Coastal Risk manager for the West Midlands said:

“Delivering the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme is a long-term solution to sustainable water management and has the potential to better protect thousands of homes and businesses from flood risk across the upper Severn catchment in England and Wales.

“We are looking forward to sharing progress as it is made and for people to contribute and engage with us as the project advances. We want to hear from all areas of the Severn community as we embark on the strategy that the catchment needs to be able to adapt to our changing climate and continue to thrive.

“The new SVWMS website will be a reliable and informative resource for anyone wanting to engage with partners and we will update the venue details of our community drop-in sessions and event summaries there too.”

Gavin Bown, Natural Resources Wales, Head of Operations for Mid Wales said:

“This is an ambitious but important project as we face a climate and nature emergency. We are seeing adverse weather events, such as flooding and periods of drought, occurring more frequently than we have experienced in recent decades.

“The Severn Valley Water Management Scheme (SVWMS) is looking at new and innovative ways to supplement our flood risk management activities and help further address these issues through using natural flood management to reduce the risk of flood or drought by working with natural systems.

NRW and Welsh Government are committed to the sustainable management of our natural resources. The SVWMS is a project which could provide us with additional longer-term solutions to sustainably manage water in the Severn catchment. We welcome the opportunity for communities to help inform the scheme.”

Councillor James Gibson-Watt, at Powys County Council, added:

“The Severn Valley Water Management Scheme is a significant opportunity to address climate impacts being experienced within our communities in Powys. We're excited to be a partner in this initiative and would encourage participation in the upcoming community events to learn more about the project and the potential opportunities it could bring.”

Councillor Ian Nellins, Deputy Leader and Cabinet member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport at Shropshire Council, added:

"The Severn Valley Water Management Scheme represents a significant step forward in our efforts to protect communities and enhance our natural environment. This project not only addresses the immediate flood risks but also supports biodiversity and our fight against climate change.

“We encourage everyone to participate in the upcoming sessions to learn more about the positive impacts this scheme will bring."