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. In addition, thousands of tonnes of gravel from rivers settled in farmers fields. A sheep farmer located by the River Derwent in Braithwaite feared the worst after Storm Desmond, however to his surprise, his farm was fine. In 2014, the farmer was persuaded to take part in an experimental project which involved planting 28 acres of willow crop, which he believes saved his farm.
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For more information on the various different NFM techniques, click here to download the Natural Flood Management Measures Guide.
