From Monday 30th June to Friday 4th July, The Flood Hub is hosting a Climate Change Focus Week across our social media channels.
Developers encouraged to reduce pollution, protect communities from flooding and benefit nature as part of government’s ambition to build 1.5 million homes.
Almost £8 billion to be invested in flood defences over the next decade
For centuries meandering rivers have been straightened – but experts say restoring their natural bends and curves can prevent flooding and create healthy habitats for wildlife.
Delivering on the government’s Plan for Change, proposals will introduce a simplified approach benefitting poorer communities and speeding up project delivery.
The focus week will look at how NFM techniques like re-meandering rivers, re-wetting moorlands, woodland creation and more can benefit communities living at flood risk, whilst also providing many other multiple benefits for the local environment.
Spring 2025 has broken historical climate records, marking an unprecedented season of warmth and sunshine across the UK, according to provisional Met Office statistics.
The Environment Agency and VolkerStevin staff will be at Littleborough Library on 25th September between 10am and 2.30pm
The Environment Agency and VolkerStevin staff will next be at Littleborough Library on Thursday 21st August between 10am and 2.30pm
The Environment Agency and VolkerStevin staff will next be at Littleborough Library on Thursday 24th July between 10am and 2.30pm
Flood response capabilities on display at Merseyside fire base
From Monday 12th – Friday 16th May, The Flood Hub is running their Property Flood Resilience (PFR) focus week across their social media channels.
From Monday 28th April – Friday 2nd May, The Flood Hub will be running our ‘Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) Focus Week’ across our social media channels.
Find out about the return of the service available from 2 June 2025.
We’re excited to launch our new KS3 Weather & Climate Education Package! This 8-lesson series covers weather, extreme weather in the UK, climate change, and the impacts of flooding. Each lesson includes a PowerPoint, teacher’s notes, and a worksheet
Schemes supported as part of record £2.65 billion two-year investment to protect communities from flooding
Additional funding for internal drainage boards (IDBs) to boost farm and rural flood resilience, bringing total IDB Fund to £91 million
SuDS schemes reduce flood risk by temporarily storing rainwater; reducing its flow and surface water runoff. Three primary schools have benefited.
Government and businesses urged to invest in beaver dams, bogs and ponds
Read about the 150 hectare woodland creation project on the Lowther Estate, which will increase access to woodlands for local communities and support wildlife.
A new initiative in Littleborough is encouraging girls and women into the construction industry.
Government to allow reintroduction of beavers into the wild after centuries of absence in a huge boost for nature conservation
Environment Agency publication captures latest research about natural flood management to help understand what works best where
A record £2.65 billion will be committed to build or maintain up to 1,000 flood defences, protecting more than 66,000 properties.
Minister Hardy and Philip Duffy discussed the response to flooding across the country.
Data shows 6.3 million properties in England in areas at risk of flooding from rivers, the sea or surface water
Cumberland Council is proud to announce the successful completion of the Flimby Flood Alleviation Scheme, a major project aimed at reducing the risk of flooding for properties in Flimby.
...as two thirds witness climate change in their lifetime.
A group of eight resident volunteers have received tools from United Utilities to manage the West Derby woodlands which surrounds 129 homes.
With a wintry cold snap predicted to be on the way, United Utilities is offering help and advice to residents and businesses across the North West to protect their water pipes and avoid bursts and flooding.
Blackpool Council is seeking community feedback on plans to enhance sea defences at Anchorsholme. The Environment Agency is funding this critical work to combat beach lowering, helping to maintain and protect the beach and sand in this area.
Environment Agency publishes mid-programme report for its £200 million Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes.
Despite one in eight (12%) residents across the UK experiencing flooding in their home in the last five years, the majority (57%) have taken no steps to mitigate the risk to their properties, according to new research from Aviva.
Initial trial feedback shows positive results.
It has been the wettest September on record for some counties, according to provisional Met Office figures, though no national monthly records have been broken.
Partnership unites six organisations including: Action with Communities in Rural England; Association of Drainage Authorities; Country Land and Business Association; Environment Agency; National Farmers Union; and Natural England
The Environment Agency and Burnley Borough Council are delighted to announce additional funds and associated planning permission has been secured.
The Taskforce will co-ordinate flooding preparation and provide long-term, strategic thinking to better protect communities.
The storm names for the 2024/25 storm names have been announced by the Met Office. Storms are named in partnership with Met Éireann and KNMI, with this being the tenth year of the storm naming project to help raise awareness and inform the public of the risks of upcoming storms.
What do Buzz Lightyear, Spider-Man and Laa Laa from the Teletubbies all have in common?
Ribble Rivers Trust received grants from the Species Survival Fund with the aim to enable the restoration of over 3,300 hectares of critical habitat.
Work to reconnect a river with its flood-plain, in order to improve wildlife habitats, has been completed.
With publication of the latest storm names for use for 2024/25 due later this week, we look back at the storms of 2023/24 in what was a wet and windy autumn and winter for many in the UK.
The first Sustainable Farming Incentive agreements for 2024 are now live as the government starts to deliver on its commitment to restore stability for the farming sector by continuing the controlled rollout of the scheme.
The guide will assist in increasing public awareness of riparian landowners’ responsibilities.
North West Regional Flood and Coastal Committee to showcase how to Unpave the Way at Tatton Flower Show
... but residents are unaware of flood risks.
Over a third (35%) of home insurance flood claims occur between June and August, according to new analysis from insurer, Aviva.
The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) has launched a website for BeFloodReady, its Community of Practice for Property Flood Resilience (PFR).
2.5 million litres of cooking fats and oils which is enough to fill an Olympic swimming pool have been saved from being washed down the drains of thousands of food service establishments like fish and chip shops, cafes, takeaways and catering kitchens across the North West.
The UK had its warmest May and meteorological spring on record according to provisional Met Office figures in what was also a wet and dull season for many.
Officers from Cumberland Council's Community Development Team and the Environment Agency will be available in the Primrose Hall, Gaitsgill
Further support for farmers hit by flooding and exceptional wet weather over this winter has been made available today (Friday 24 May) as part of the Farming Recovery Fund, with £50 million to cover farms of all sizes across the country.
The Preston and South Ribble Flood Risk Management Scheme has won a Considerate Constructors Scheme 2024 National Site Award.
Residents in a small Cumbrian village are helping to play their part in improving water quality in the River Gowan and River Kent, by installing water butts on their properties.
Meteorological spring kicked off with a mild and wet month of weather for the UK, with southern areas particularly wet compared to average.
As partners within the North West Regional Flood and Coastal Committee (North West RFCC), the Environment Agency, United Utilities, and Lancashire County Council are proud to be featuring at the brand new RHS Urban show.
Fund will support farmers who suffered uninsurable damage to their land due to flooding earlier this year with grants of between £500 and £25,000
Project to reduce flood risk to Keswick gains support from major investor.
Mersey Rivers Trust are thrilled to announce that their £2.1m bid to the Environment Agency’s Natural Flood Management (NFM) programme has been successful!
United Utilities has published a road map (12th March 2024) showing how it will deliver cleaner rivers, beaches and lakes across the North West – the biggest investment of its kind in the UK.
The claim window for existing Countryside Stewardship (CS) revenue and Environmental Stewardship (ES) agreements has opened on Thursday 14 March.
Last month was the world's warmest February in modern times, the EU's climate service says, extending the run of monthly records to nine in a row.
England and Wales had their respective warmest Februarys on record according to provisional Met Office statistics in what was a mild and wet month for many.
Cumberland Council is delighted to announce the successful conclusion of the flood alleviation works in Ravenglass, marking a significant milestone in enhancing the resilience of the community to potential flood events.
New analysis by the UK’s largest home insurer, Aviva, reveals that one in thirteen (8%) new homes built in England in the last ten years are in a flood zone, the equivalent of almost 110,000 homes.
This week has seen two powerful storms, Isha and Jocelyn, batter the UK leaving two people dead and bringing significant disruption including power cuts, plane and train cancellations and school closures.
The year 2023 has been confirmed as the warmest on record, driven by human-caused climate change and boosted by the natural El Niño weather event
The Environment Agency is warning people to take care during the ongoing flooding
Flood-hit communities can now apply for thousands of pounds from the government to help them recover.
An Environment Agency community update about the flood risk in Cockermouth
This Flood Action Week (20-26 November) the Environment Agency is urging people to prepare for increased weather extremes.
Residents who live in and around Windermere are being invited to find out more about proposals to improve water quality in the lake.
Lancashire is set to benefit from a £2.4million investment into restoring its peatlands, which are vital for reducing the county's carbon levels, as well as a haven for wildlife.
United Utilities is inviting people in the Hest Bank area of Lancashire to find out more about their plan to improve the quality of water in Hatlex Beck.
An Environment Agency community update about the flood risk in Cockermouth
Thousands of pounds of Government funding to help communities recover from the impact of Storm Babet.
UK residents are unaware of the ways they can protect their homes from flooding and other types of extreme weather, according to new research from Aviva.
The eighth round of the Countryside Stewardship Facilitation Fund has opened for applications today, the government has announced (23 October 2023).
The Environment Agency have released an update about the temporary change to the flood warning threshold as a result of the partial collapse of the Old Courthouse Building
The Environment Agency have released an update on the partial collapse of the Old Courthouse Building, which occurred on the 8th October.
A team of graduates at United Utilities has teamed up with Penrith-based Atkinson Building Contractors to create a pair of highly water efficient homes.
United Utilities today publishes an ambitious £13.7 billion investment plan to deliver cleaner rivers, more reliable water supplies and extra support for customers struggling with bills in the North West.
Some of the most polluting single-use plastic items banned from 1 October
£25 million will be invested in projects that use nature to protect communities from flooding, Environment Minister Rebecca Pow announced today (22 September).
Cheshire East Council aims to introduce a new planning document, setting out the council’s proposals for mitigating flood risk, harnessing rainwater capture, and living with changing weather patterns.
Thank you Leigh – that’s the message from United Utilities after a reduction in the number of sewer blockages in the town.
The storm names for the 2023/24 storm names have been announced by the Met Office, in partnership with Met Éireann and KNMI.
Twelve new projects receive £16 million to restore thousands of hectares of peatlands across England.
For a number of years, the allotment holders at Peel Brow in the town have struggled with water supply issues from the local spring during the drier summer months.
The Flood Hub teamed up with South Cumbria Rivers Trust & Natural England to build leaky dams in the beautiful Roudsea Wood and Mosses Nature Reserve.
River barriers similar to those built by beavers can protect communities at risk of flooding, a study has found.
This National Allotments Week (7th to 13th August) United Utilities is helping growers save water and boost their crops thanks to water butts that have been installed over the past few months.
Homeowners in Wrea Green are being offered a free smart water butt as part of a project to explore new solutions to reduce flooding in the village.
2022 was a record-breaking year for weather and is a sign of the UK’s changing climate.
Curlews, short-snouted seahorses and natterjack toads set to be benefit as six nature recovery projects are launched.
Cheshire Wildlife Trust is delighted to announce the arrival of three new beaver kits born at Hatchmere Nature Reserve near Delamere Forest.
A pair of beavers that were released into the wild have bred for the second time, the Cheshire Wildlife Trust said.
A new plan will see the Greater Manchester Combined Authority extend partnership working with United Utilities and the Environment Agency to transform the way water is managed across the city-region so it is better prepared for the changing climate.
On 29 June 2023, the government announced new investment and actions to improve lowland peat and reduce carbon emissions.
Dozens of water butts have been installed at Birkdale allotments in Southport to help growers make the most of the rainfall, reduce their use of potable water, and keep their costs down.
With the warm weather set to continue, United Utilities is offering advice to its ‘green fingered’ customers.
Lancashire Wildlife Trust’s pioneering Rindle wetter farming trial has a new crop – and it’s just ready for your breakfast!
A school in Birkdale has become the latest to benefit from United Utilities’ £1.3 million Sustainable Drainage for Schools (SuDS) programme, which helps to reduce the risk of flooding by diverting rainfall away from the sewer system.
The first two SuDS systems adopted by United Utilities were built by Story Homes at developments in Carlisle and Wetheral, followed by a third system developed by Wrenman Strategic Land in Lancaster.
Environment Agency Chair Alan Lovell and Floods Minister Rebecca Pow stress importance of managing flood risks in a changing climate.
Flood Re, the joint initiative between the UK government and the insurance industry, has launched the ‘Be Flood Smart’ campaign in partnership with the Environment Agency.
Homeowners risk complacency, expense and trauma unless they consider fitting simple flood protection measures, a new campaign will claim.
The Environment Agency’s Flood and Coastal Innovation Programme Team have produced and shared the first edition of their new eMagazine.
United Utilities has today announced that it will be leading an £8.9m national programme to bring more nature-based solutions into the water sector.
Pupils from Brennands Endowed Primary School in Slaidburn joined forces with United Utilities to plant 50 oak trees to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III.
Consultation to expand storm overflow reduction targets to cover all coasts, estuaries and marine protected sites.
Rivercraft 2 will help to educate children and young people about the risks of flooding - and inspire them to careers where they can make a difference
The project will enable people in the community to interact with, learn and feed back on topics such as flood risk and climate change in the area.
The final pre-cast concrete section of wall was installed on South Parade yesterday (27th April) meaning the construction of the flood wall at West Kirby is complete.
More than 300 barriers were taken down last year, boosting the health of waterways and the wildlife they support, say experts.
The government's target to reduce storm overflows will be enshrined in law.
The RSPB and its partners have successfully reintroduced fish to Swindale Beck in England after a project to recreate the river's original, meandering path.
Natural Flood Management (NFM) aims to reduce community flood risk by protecting, restoring and mimicking the natural functions of a catchment, improving the ability of the landscape to slow and store water, reducing peak flows which cause flooding.
A new report showcasing the success of natural flood management (NFM) projects in Cumbria has been released!
Follow us on LinkedIn, @TheFloodHub to see updates, new resources, case studies and more!
Move suggested to tackle rise in plastic grass and paving, which exacerbate wildlife loss, flooding and summer heat
A small village in Lancashire is now part of the UK’s biggest hi-tech drainage community thanks to United Utilities.
Short animated films about Natural Flood Management in Cumbria will be showcased at Learning on Screen Awards in London
£100 million of funding for areas in England that have suffered repeated flooding
Almost all wet wipes will be banned in England under plans to tackle water pollution, environment minister Therese Coffey has told BBC News.
The primary purpose of the plan is to provide a co-ordinated multi-agency response framework to help mitigate and reduce the impact of a large-scale flood event within Northwich Town Centre.
England has had its wettest March since 1981, with Wales and Northern Ireland also seeing one of their wettest Marches on record.
Find out why the Forestry Commission are celebrating all the woodlands and forests, and the many benefits they bring.
The NDA and NWS hosted their first staff tree planting event in partnership with Cumbria Woodlands.
The River Eden and shellfish in the Solway Firth are set to benefit from upgrades to United Utilities’ wastewater treatment works in Carlisle.
A range of polluting single-use plastics will be banned from October 2023 following the Government's consultation.
Woodlands worth over £400m million annually in protecting communities from flooding, new research reveals.
£220,000 flood alleviation works completed at Aldingham, South Lakeland.
A consistent approach to sustainable drainage systems is set to be incorporated into new developments in England.
Nature ‘in charge again’ at Swindale Beck for first time in 200 years as award-winning conservation project bears fruit
The Environment Agency has completed work on a flood scheme in Egremont which will reduce the risk of flooding to 220 properties.
Sir James Bevan outlined his vision for natural flood management as the Environment Agency published a new report on the £15 million NFM programme.
On 7 December 2022 a new flood warning service for Braithwaite, Cumbria and for areas of Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire, were launched.
We have developed this survey in partnership with Lancashire County Council and it will be running until the 3rd February 2023.
Forest Research-led mapping reveals extent of damage from 2021’s winter storms with 3,300 hectares in England damaged
Number of homes at high risk likely to almost double by 2055, warns report by infrastructure commission
A forest of thousands of trees spanning 150 hectares - the size of 210 football pitches - is to be planted along Cumbria's west coast.
The RFCC independent member recruitment campaign is now live.
Multi-agency approach will help to safeguard the town this winter
A live exercise will take place this month to help partner agencies prepare for winter weather
Advice in the new UK Forestry Standard Practice Guide includes how woodland creation and management can reduce flood risk.
More than 1,250 homes and businesses close to the north Wirral coast will enjoy greater protection from the risk of flooding after works to strengthen the sea embankment were successfully completed this summer.
Sphagnum moss found to drastically slow down rainwater runoff in Peak District ‘outdoor laboratory’ study.
Communities throughout the North West have an opportunity to be awarded a share of £500,000 through a fund designed to improve resilience.
Earlier this year Cheshire Wildlife Trust announced that the pair of beavers who were released into Hatchmere Nature Reserve, Delamere Forest in 2020 had welcomed a new kit, the first beaver born in Cheshire for 400 years. However, after retrieving and checking the wildlife cameras recently, the Trust discovered that there wasn’t just one baby beaver, but two!
The storm names for the 2022/23 season have been announced by the Met Office, in partnership with Met Éireann and KNMI.
Updated planning guidance published today will help councils make sure developments meet strict criteria in locations at risk of flooding before they are approved, to ensure local communities aren’t negatively impacted as a result.
On 24 August 2022 five new flood warning services were launched in Blennerhasset and Baggrow, Kendal, Caldbeck and Harrington (Cumbria); and Blackburn (Lancashire).
The North West is home to more than 1,300 allotments and communal gardens, where residents grow a wealth of their own produce, from carrots to cucumbers, parsnips to potatoes. A lot of time and effort goes into these endeavours, not to mention a lot of water, so United Utilities is helping out through a range of rainwater harvesting schemes.
A quarter (25%) of homeowners in the UK with outside space have turned all or part of their garden into a driveway and a further 17% are planning to make this change, according to new research by Aviva.
Communities will be selected through the Environment Agency’s annual refresh of the £5.2 billion capital programme.
Cheshire Wildlife Trust are delighted to announce that a new young beaver has been spotted at Hatchmere Nature Reserve in Delamere. This sighting confirms that beavers have bred in Cheshire for the first time in over 400 years!
A £230m programme of environmental investment is under way across the North West to improve 184km of the region’s rivers by 2025.
The Ribble Rivers Trust and Wild Haweswater (a partnership between RSPB and United Utilities) won the awards at the 2022 UK River Prize awards ceremony.
The brand-new flood defence scheme for West Kirby, will involve the construction of a 1.1km long curved wall along South Parade, between the junctions with Sandy Lane and Riversdale Road.
Projects include rewetting lowland peat to grow plant fibre material to use as padding for clothes.
On 25 May 2022 six new flood warning services were launched in Chorley, Bolton-by-Bowland, Poulton-le-Fylde, Ribchester and Chatburn (Lancashire); and Cartmel and Cark (Cumbria).
Environment Agency Community flood scheme information hub opens on Little Aynam in Kendal, which will be open every Tuesday and Thursday welcoming the local community and visitors to view scheme information and speak with Environment Agency project team members about the multi-million flood project.
A £2.6 billion, six-year programme of work dedicated to improving flood and coastal defences has exceeded its original targets by 14,000 homes.
It's not just the three Ps that manage to make it round the U-bend
The in-game Preston world is the first activity of its kind that uses Artificial Intelligence to map a region and convert it into an interactive Minecraft map.
Today, the North West Regional Flood and Coastal Committee (RFCC) formally launches its new Business Plan for 2022 to 2025.
Lancaster experts have contributed to a flood hydrology roadmap that sets out a vision to help scientists and practitioners better predict future flood events and improve flood resilience across the UK.
Five areas of Kendal are better protected from flooding as Environment Agency marks first anniversary of construction starting in the town.
Following the recent training for community groups and partners on the Check for Flooding Service, the video can now be viewed here.
On 2 March 2022 five new flood warning services were launched in Carlisle (Cumbria); and Darwen, Eccleston, Sabden and Brierfield (Lancashire).
The Environment Agency, Rossendale Borough Council and partners continue to investigate the possibility of introducing a new flood risk management scheme within Irwell Vale, Strongstry and Chatterton
Lancashire is in line to benefit from 10 schemes designed to reduce the risk of flooding in the county - with South Ribble and Ribble Valley among the areas set to see work carried out.
A sample flood defence panel, made of glass, has been installed at Little Aynam to provide the community and visitors to the area the opportunity to see the proposed design of future flood defences along Aynam Road.
Almost £1 Million has been allocated to the Fylde Sand Dunes Project from the Environment Agency to improve the sand dune habitat along the Fylde Coast.
Aviva are pleased to announce that ‘The Aviva Community Fund’ is now open for applications until 1st February 2022.
A new report to Lancashire County Council's cabinet reveals details of 10 new projects to tackle problems with flooding in the county, with projects in Carnforth and Torrisholme on the list.
Warrington Borough Council has provided updates on three projects which have been undertaken to keep residents and businesses safe following the floods in January 2021.
The new schemes will support nature recovery and climate action by rewarding farmers in their local area, alongside sustainable and profitable food production.
Thousands of trees are to be planted in a Lake District valley in an attempt to reduce flooding and improve habitats for wildlife.
Emergency works on a river side retaining wall in Cockermouth have been completed, strengthening the existing flood defences during winter.
January sees the start of construction of two new sections of the Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme. The Environment Agency and contractors, Volker Stevin, will begin work at Busher Walk and Benson Green in Kendal with construction works taking around four months to complete.
Work on the flood defences at Clarks as part the Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme are now complete. The area now benefits from 114m of flood defences and a new flood wall, as well as a range of community improvements with an area of grassland restored and a seating area reinstated.
The Strategic flood risk assessment good practice guide provides practical information and advice for Local Planning Authorities, and others who support them, on how to scope, produce and use strategic flood risk assessments to fulfil national planning policy requirements efficiently and effectively.
During the consultation period the Environment Agency want your views on the draft FRMPs. Your views will inform a final set of plans that will set out actions to manage flood risk between 2021-2027.
Ground investigation works for a potential flood scheme in Prestolee and Stoneclough have completed
On 24 November 2021 six new flood warning services were launched in Ambleside and Crake Valley (Cumbria), Horwich (Greater Manchester), Blackburn and Wennington (Lancashire).
Environment Agency urges action as Met Office warns of above average likelihood of a wet winter.
The North West Regional Flood and Coastal Committee (RFCC) has been refreshing its business plan to set ambitious and clear priorities from 2022 to 2025
Businesses across the Cumbria region are being offered FREE places on an online course run by the Flood Innovation Centre, aimed at helping them to benefit from the opportunities available in the growing property flood resilience sector.
Residents in Reddish Lane, Lymm who have suffered a long history of flooding incidents are receiving a major boost, thanks to a new project.
The Environment Agency in the North West is preparing for winter with a series of training exercises to make sure they are ready to respond to flood incidents
Heavy and persistent rainfall fell over Cumbria and Lancashire between the 26th and 29th October 2021, significant rainfall totals fell over Central and Western Cumbria in particular. As a result Flood warnings were issued at a number of locations and unfortunately a number of communities and properties were flooded.
Construction works as part of the £76million Flood Risk Management Scheme on Natland Road and at Romney Gardens in Kendal are now complete.
The Wyre Natural Flood Management project (Wyre NFM) is set to receive £1.5m in private investment to implement Natural Flood Management measures to help at-risk communities in Lancashire.
With less than three weeks to COP26, Environment Agency warns that adaptation – becoming resilient to the effects of climate change – is just as vital as mitigation
Residents and businesses in Kendal are being given the opportunity to share their thoughts and give feedback ahead of a new planning application being submitted following proposed design improvements along Aynam Road and Waterside.
A £12.1m fund towards the regeneration of the St Annes sea wall has been approved by the Environment Agency.
Residents are being invited to see the latest developments on the Padiham Flood Risk Management Scheme at an upcoming community drop-in session.
Thousands of tons worth of gravel is being removed from the River Greta at Keswick as part of efforts to reduce the risk of flooding during the colder winter months.
Information on a free CIWEM training course
Over £16 million to be awarded through the first round of Natural England’s Peat Restoration Grants.
On 18 August 2021 three new flood warning services were launched in Brampton, Warwick Bridge and Grasmere (Cumbria), and Clubmoor (Merseyside).
A pioneering new fund to drive private investment in nature and tackle climate change has been awarded to 27 projects.
United Utilities and The Rivers Trust announce North West partnership.
Over £860m to be invested in flood alleviation schemes this year with further action including improvements to flood insurance.
Farmers and landowners setting up temporary campsites for the summer holidays are being urged to have a flood plan in place to keep campers safe.
This report looks at the state of the urban environment in England. It outlines some of the challenges created by urban areas for managing natural resources and waste, and the links between urban environments and wider environmental issues.
Following feedback from our survey last year, we have updated content on the website, as well as adding brand new content and pages, in order to make information more easily accessible.
A project designed to slow the flow of flood water by using natural techniques has been completed upstream of Rochdale. The ambitious scheme saw organisations work with landowners in the upper River Roch catchment to deliver innovative solutions to reduce the risk of flooding for homes and businesses in the Roch Valley.
On 19 May 2021 four new flood warning services were launched in Coniston (Cumbria) Caton (Lancashire), and Worthington and Atherton (Greater Manchester).
The Environment Agency's FCERM Strategy Action Plan will help to better protect over hundreds of thousands more homes and businesses in the years ahead.
The Nature for Climate Peatland Grant Scheme (NCPGS) provides funding to restore peatlands in the uplands and lowlands of England. It is a competitive grant scheme that will run until 2025.
The following reports have been released by the Environment Agency’s Flood and Coastal Risk Management Research Team.
Cutting-edge flood forecasting and natural flood management schemes trialled in 25 selected areas receiving a share of £150m to develop new flooding responses.
Whalley & Billington Flood Action Group have recently participated in a successful trial of a prototype Early Flood Warning system installed on a culvert.
The Croston Flood Risk Management Scheme was completed in 2017 and has already protected lots of properties in Croston from potential flood damage.
The Environment Agency and partners have completed more than 700 projects to better protect more than 300,000 homes since 2015.
Sefton Council, the Environment Agency and United Utilities have signed a joint statement of intent to reassure Maghull communities that they are continuing to work together to explore solutions to reduce the risk of flooding.
The Environment Agency is progressing plans and designs for phase two and three of the £76million Kendal Flood Risk Management scheme.
Enabling works for a multi-million pound flood alleviation scheme in Littleborough which will help protect around 1,000 homes are set to get underway in the coming weeks.
Two native Hornbeam trees have been planted on the riverside in Kendal as part of the new £76million Flood Risk Management Scheme.
The Flood Team at Newground have developed 10 lessons and resources for schools and young people, which aim to increase young people’s knowledge on flooding and flood risk management.
Residents of Cheshire West and Chester will be able to find out about the recent flooding events in the borough through a special online webinar event.
Work has now started on the first phase of the three phased £76million Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme. When complete, the Scheme will reduce the risk of flooding to 1,480 homes and 1,100 local businesses across the River Kent catchment.
Sport England's Return to Play Fund is now open to applications from local authorities, leisure operators and other not-for-profit organisations needing funding to repair flood damage.
Lancashire County Council, Blackburn with Darwen Council and Blackpool Council are asking for people's views on a new strategy which outlines their plans to reduce the risk of local flooding.
The RFCC is refreshing its business plan to ensure its priorities consider the National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Strategy and the central concept of resilience in a changing climate.
The Landscapes to Lifescapes digital exhibition is a collaborative project between Lancaster University, the University of Hull and the Environment Agency,
Plans include insurance payments for flood-hit properties to build back better and discounted premiums for flood resilient homes.
Operations are underway to help communities across Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire recover from flooding following the severe weather brought by Storm Christoph last week.
The next step towards building Padiham’s £9 million flood scheme will start this week when ground investigation work begins on proposed sites.
The Cheshire police and crime commissioner is encouiraging community groups to apply for emergency funding to support residents who have been affected by flooding.
Teams from the Environment Agency, Bury Council and BAM Nuttall have helped boost a charity appeal which means more children in Radcliffe and Redvales will now have a smile put on their faces this Christmas.
A major flood risk management scheme on the River Lune, designed to protect hundreds of properties from the risk of flooding, has reached completion.
Rickerby Flood scheme built to better protect 34 properties is now complete. The scheme comprises 440m of new flood defence walls, 100m of raised flood embankment along with a new road alignment with improved hedges and tree planting for nature.
This year, Flood Re processed more claims and paid out more than in the first three years of operation combined.
Detailed plans for the new flood wall to be built along the length of West Kirby promenade were officially lodged on Tuesday 3rd November 2020.
United Utilities have announced its plans for improving the North West’s watercourses through partnership working and holistic thinking.
Construction of sample flood wall panels in Kendal, a requirement of the planning conditions for the flood scheme, is now complete.
Flood and Coastal Resilience Innovation Programme will help communities improve resilience to flooding and coastal change .
Please fill in our quick feedback survey to help keep our website useful for communities affected by flooding.
The Environment Agency's #FloodActionWeek runs from 9-15 November to encourage more people to prepare, act and survive during flooding.
The Environment Agency will be undertaking some ground investigation work at St Georges Walk in Kendal for a 4-week period.
Innovative flood risk management techniques have taken another step forward on Crompton Moor in Oldham with the installation of five “leaky dams”.
DEFRA have today launched a consultation on how the funding process for Natural Flood Management could be made easier.
The Environment Agency and contractors, VBA have begun installing sample flood panels in Kendal as part of the £76m flood scheme.
This brand new flood digital engagement tool tells the story of Callum's flooding experience and asks - how would you 'help Callum'?
Flash flooding affects communities across the UK and a new study by the University of Plymouth has shown that planting woodland in upland areas could play a significant role in preventing it.
This month-long campaign aims to improve the health of our drains, sewers, watercourses and seas!
The Environment Agency have launched a public engagement platform for the Preston and South Ribble flood scheme.
The government extension will allow households and businesses to apply for funding from eligible councils after coronavirus delays.
Lancaster City Council have announced an important update for residents in the Hala area of Lancaster about the proposed removal/replacement of the pedestrian footbridge on the path between Gressingham Drive and Lentwroth Drive.
The Investment Readiness Fund will support the development of natural environment projects to generate revenue from ecosystem services and attract repayable investment.
Project designed to showcase natural flood management techniques and restore peatland on treasured local moorland is about to start.
The Met Office along with partners Met Éireann and KNMI have revealed the list of storm names for the UK, Ireland and Netherlands for the next season.
As part of the third auction of the Woodland Carbon Guarantee, farmers and landowners are being offered £10m to help create new woodlands.
The final section of the Sea Defence Project at Fairhaven Lake has been completed and is now open to the public.
Since 2015, the #30days30waysUK campaign aims to inspire and empower people to be ready and better prepared for a wide range of risks and their consequences such as flooding, fire, power cuts etc.
Cheshire Wildlife Trust have announced that they are reintroducing beavers back into Cheshire after 400 years.
The Flood Risk Management Scheme in Egremont will reduce the flood risk to 220 residential and business properties, improve the local environment and community amenities.
336,000 properties in England better protected from flooding by 2027 with record £5.2 billion investment
Returning to business as usual after the Coronavirus pandemic won’t be enough to address the challenges of the future, warns Sir James Bevan, chief executive of the Environment Agency.
Government believes that on-site plans should be an essential part of maintaining public safety.
Public Health England (PHE) have recently carried out research which shows that people who experience flooding in their homes can suffer from mental health illnesses, such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This has an economic impact, including costs to the health service and lost days at work.
Following a consultation period in early 2020, a new sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) pro-forma and accompanying guidance have been created for use by Local Planning Authorities as part of their planning documentation.
New flood walls and embankments are being built on Caton Road to protect many homes and businesses from flooding following the December 2015 flooding.
Environment Agency press release - The first phase of a £46 million flood defence scheme in Rochdale and Littleborough has been given the green light by Rochdale Borough Council’s Planning Department.
The Environment Agency have made some amendments to their Flood Warning Service during the Coronavirus Pandemic. The changes which were put in place on the 24th April 2020.
Landowners, farmers and land manages have up until the 5th June to apply for the scheme to create new woodlands that help tackle the effects of climate change.
In the 2020 Budget, the government announced that it will double its investment in flood and coastal defences in England to £5.2 billion over the next six years. This will ensure that a further 336,000 homes and non-residential properties are better protected from flooding and coastal erosion.
Work is continuing on the £40M Radcliffe and Redvales Flood Alleviation Scheme which, once completed, will better protect over 870 properties from the effects of flooding, the Environment Agency has said.
United Utilities message to anyone who may be experiencing flooding at this difficult time and raising awareness of what should be flushed down your loo.
The UK has rainfall records dating back 200 years or so, but the vast majority of these are in handwritten form and can't easily be used to analyse past periods of flooding and drought. The Rainfall Rescue Project is seeking volunteers to transfer all the data into online spreadsheets.
As part of the £5million project, more than half a million trees will be planted to reduce flooding, improve air quality and remove 100,000 tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere.
The park in West Gorton will reduce the future effects of climate change by soaking up excess rainwater.
Positive news for some eligible north west communities, the Government has announced thousands of pounds of support including grants, council tax relief and business rate relief for people and businesses in areas affected by flooding.
The latest supercomputing technology will unleash the full potential of weather and climate data for the UK.
Plans for the next phase of the £46m Rochdale and Littleborough Flood Risk Management Scheme to reduce flooding in two high risk areas have now been submitted to the Local Planning Authority.
On the 22nd January 2020, an ambitious new online resource was launched by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to help ensure better environmental decision-making by valuing our ‘natural capital’.
The Environment Agency have launched a survey to support research into groundwater flood management.
During their Flood Action Week (20th January – 26th January 2020) the Environment Agency launched a campaign to highlight the impact flood damage has on mental health, advising people on the importance of signing up to flood alerts.
On Friday, Universities Minister Chris Skidmore officially opened the UK’s largest testbed for sustainable drainage systems.
The Environment Agency has updated its long term flood risk information using feedback from users of the service.
A draft pro-forma on sustainable drainage systems is bring presented for consultation and feedback.
Work has begun on a multi-million pound project to build new defences along the banks of the River Lune to prevent large scale flooding similar to that seen during Storm Desmond in 2015.
The public consultation on the draft North West Marine Plan opened on the 14th January 2020 and will run until the 20th April 2020 when it will close.
The Environment Agency are running a Flood Action Week from 20th - 26th January to help people know what action to take in a flood.
A scientific trial to release beavers into an enclosure in Cumbria gets the go-ahead.
A monstrous fatberg weighing the same as three elephants has been found under Strangeways.
The Environment Agency are running a consultation until the 24th April 2020 for members of the public to have their say on the challenges that our waters face and the choices and changes we all need to make to help tackle those challenges.
Cumbria’s young farmers have planted 420 trees along the Irt to help improve the local environment and mitigate climate change.
Homes located on the coast of Furness have been told by the Environment Agency that they are at long-term risk of flooding.
People who live in Cumbria may receive a text message from the Environment Agency this week to let them know that they have been automatically signed up for the free flood alerts and warnings service.
he National Lottery are offering people and communities with great ideas the chance to receive a grant between £100 and £1000 to mark their 25th Anniversary.
Flood-hit homes and businesses will be able to receive up to £5,000 to help protect them from future flooding.
A multimillion-pound project to improve flood defences and avoid power cuts in Lancaster has been completed.
The government have launched a £50million Woodland Carbon Guarantee scheme to encourage farmers and landowners to plant more trees to help tackle climate change.
West Cumbria Rivers Trust is appealing for volunteers to help with a project which aims to reduce flood risk in the village of Bootle, Cumbria.
We are celebrating one year of The Flood Hub on 5th November 2019! Join us in celebrating by following our social media accounts.
United Utilities held a partnership event in September 2019 to understand how risk management authorities can work better to manage flood risk from new developments.
West Cumbria River’s Trust are appealing for volunteers to help with a project aiming to reduce flood risk in the village of Flimby.
Plans for a giant living, green wall have been approved by Liverpool City Council as part of a global effort to increase green space in city centres.
The 4th October marked ten years since the Environment Agency and the Met Office formed a partnership and saved lives, livelihoods and protected infrastructure.
Manchester’s water company is on a mission to make the city’s sewers free of fatbergs.
Flood risk in Seascale will be reduced and water quality improved following a joint project between West Cumbria Rivers Trust and Cumbria County Council.
Around 100 homes and businesses, across the North West, will be better protected from flooding following the completion of preventative works by the Environment Agency and its partners.
A natural flood management (NFM) trial has been launched at farm on the border of Yorkshire and Lancashire to help reduce the risk of flooding.
As the world becomes increasingly impacted by climate change, understanding more about the potential future intensity of hourly rainfall and extreme daytime temperatures is key to the UK’S resilience.
Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers has announced a new round of flood defence investment for communities across Yorkshire, Lancashire, Cumbria, the North East and the South East of England.
The North West RFCC has released its new Business Plan which sets out its priorities and actions for 2019 to 2022.
The project involved repairing a culvert which ran through the town to protect 91 homes and 17 businesses from flooding.
Cumbria County Council is investing approximately £650,000 in surfacing and drainage works as part of the council’s Infrastructure Recovery Programme.
On the 2nd September, work on the major engineering designed to increase Keswick’s flood resilience is due to begin.
Work continues in towns and villages across the North West and parts of Derbyshire after being hit by heavy flooding
Stockport Council are offering grants of up to £200 to residents whose homes had internally flooded between the 28th July and the 9th August 2019.
Lancashire County Council have published an overview report of the flooding which hit parts of Lancashire in November.
The report summarises the activities carried out by risk management authorities (RMAs) in England.
A fantastic new project will launch in 2020 which will help restore sand dunes for the benefit of people, communities and wildlife.
The funding is to help groups of farmers, foresters and land managers improve the natural environment.
The Environment Agency has started work on the £25million flood scheme, three and a half years after Storm Desmond caused devastation across Carlisle. The scheme will protect 1600 homes and businesses from flooding across the city once it’s complete.
James Walker and Co, is one of Cumbria’s largest employers with more than 400 employees and in 2009 and 2015, the company was left underwater by flooding
Defra is asking for evidence which focuses on some specific flood and coastal erosion policy questions that the government would like addition evidence on.
Green Sefton have launched a consultation for members of the public to have their say on what Crosby Coastal Park is planned to look like by 2030.
Flood Re – the organisation which enabled owners of houses situated in flood risk areas – wants to further reduce insurance premiums by encouraging a practice to ‘build back better’ homes after a flood event.
As part of the Government’s 25 year plan to improve the environment, proposals have been set out for a new Northern Forest. But the plans do not include the county of Lancashire.
More than three years after the devastation caused by Storm Desmond, work to protect Glenridding from further flooding has been completed.
The launch of the flood scheme, which is designed to protect more than 800 homes and local businesses from flooding, was marked by a sod cutting ceremony yesterday.
A website which maps the potential devastation if the polar ice caps continue to melt have said that Formby and Southport could become a separate island by the end of the century.
According to research, an estimated £1.1billion a year in flood damage is being prevented by the UK’s network of river barriers and defences.
The Environment Agency are looking for new members to join the North West Regional Flood and Coastal Committee (RFCC) that has responsibility for promoting an understanding of flood risk, irrespective of cause: coastal, fluvial or surface water.
Homes and businesses across Radcliffe and Redvales will soon be saved from the threat of flooding with construction on the flagship £40m Radcliffe and Redvales Flood Alleviation Scheme due to commence in the coming weeks.
A ground breaking analysis of lake sediment in Cumbria has shown that the floods of 2009 and 2015 in the north-west England were the worst for more than 550 years.
Grants will be made available over the next two years to plant trees in town and city spaces to make them greener and to utilise the multiple benefits that they can provide.
The first phase of Kendal’s multi-million pound flood defence scheme is set to go ahead after it was confirmed the plan will not be ‘called in’ by the Government.
The Environment Agency has been leading a conversation with people and organisations who are affected by or work to manage flooding and coastal change
The Environment Agency has warned that Britain’s flood planners must prepare for the worst on climate change. The EA predicts that climate change and population growth will double the number of properties built on the flood plain over the next five decades
The planned flood scheme for Carlisle aims to provide one of the highest levels of flood protection in the country.
The Environment Agency has announced a set of new supplier arrangements and partnerships which will increase efficiency, value for money and the green legacy of its £2.6billion capital investment programme.
A new website offering extensive information on river and lake improvement projects happening across West Cumbria has been launched.
The Environment Agency held a consultation from the 16th November 2018 until the 11th January 2019 on the proposals for new and amended standard rules for flood risk activities.
A new £10,000 digital flood warning and community information board has been installed on the edge of Mocha Parade in Lower Broughton.
BS 851188, parts 1+2 have now been issued for public comment and will be open for comments until 28 May 2019.
A £40 million flood defence scheme in Radcliffe and Redvales, designed to protect up to 870 properties from a repeat of the devastating flooding seen on Boxing Day 2015, has been given the green light by Bury Council’s Planning Control Committee.
Phase 1 of the Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme Linear Defences has been approved by planners.
The Environment Agency has published a new economic assessment to aid planning for flooding and coastal risk management for the next 50 years.
The Lake District has nearly fully recovered from the damage and destruction caused by Storm Desmond in 2015.
Work on the £1million flood alleviation project in Earby has now resumed, the project aims to reduce the risk of flooding to 91 homes and 17 businesses.
A Flood Risk Management Scheme in Kendal which is designed to better protect residential and business properties from flooding, improve the local environment and improve community amenities has been proposed by the Environment Agency.
James Walker & Co is a large, established Cumbrian manufacturing firm is benefitting from a £2.6m investment from Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership to protect its premises from flooding.
Ribble Rivers Trust and the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside put out an appeal last December for members of the public to donate their old Christmas trees.
Lancaster City Council have contributed £850,000 for flood defences on the River Lune designed to protect one of Lancasters most important commercial areas, which will help to safeguard more than 2000 jobs and contribute £37.3million to the local economy.
According to researchers, a restoration scheme that is underway on the hills of the Peak District has the potential to alleviate the level of flood risk to towns and villages below.
Sue Hayman has spoken to insurance bosses about homes and businesses at risk of flooding. She has warned that West Cumbrian communities will become “ghost towns” if nothing is done to make insurance affordable and available to all properties and small businesses.
In the last few years, DEFRA have seen a significant improvement in the water environment and in resilience to flood and drought and have opened a consultation regarding the improvement of management of water in the environment.
SuDS were first introduced to the English planning system in 2010. National planning policy in England encourages SuDS on all major developments, unless there is clear evidence that they would be inappropriate. However, as of the 7th January 2019, SuDS were made mandatory on all new developments over 100m2 in Wales.
In December 2015, record levels of rainfall fell over Cumbria caused by Storm Desmond, which had huge impacts. Farmer’s livestock drowned and kilometres of fencing were destroyed as the rivers overtopped.
Work on a natural flood management scheme is underway on Smithills Estate near Bolton.
The North West Regional Flood and Coastal Committee are holding a consultation on their draft Business Plan for the period from 2019 to 2022.
The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside has put out an appeal for members of the public to bring their old Christmas trees to their ‘Annual Christmas Tree Planting’ event.
There is a UK Government and Parliament petition regarding the sale of wet wipes that are referred to as "flushable" on the packet, which if successful could help to prevent sewer flooding.
The Environment Agency are holding a consultation on the proposals for new and amended standard rules for flood risk activities, as part of a review of their charges for regulatory works.
The Environment Agency are gearing up to launch their Flood Action Campaign to make sure people know what to do in a flood, sign up to flood warnings, and keep themselves and their families safe.
The NCAS-X-band weather radar in Cumbria has been successfully put in place by The National Centre for Atmospheric Science and the Environment Agency. The radar will provide new observations to improve the Environment Agency’s flood forecasting and warning services.
A new 'Natural Flood Management handbook: a practical guide for farmers' has been produced, funded by West Cumbria Rivers Trust, Newground, Heritage Lottery Fund and the Environment Agency.
As part of the Chancellors Budget, Phillip Hammond has announced a £60 million pledge to plant more trees in order to preserve the country's environment.
The new wave reflection wall that will reduce the flood risk to 11,400 homes over the next 100 years has been opened by the Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey.
A community clean-up event in Kendal took place on the 14th October which was organised by the Castle Street Community Flood Action Group to protect homes against future flooding, coincided with a weekend of flood warnings and alerts.
The Environment Agency has agreed to part-fund a new £3million flood defence wall that will change the face of West Kirby promenade forever.
