Riparian ownership and natural flood management
Natural Flood Management has been gaining even more success and evidence as a tool in the box of flood risk management. Through mimicking nature’s own methods of managing water, downstream impacts of flooding can be reduced through a wide range of land and watercourse management techniques including ‘woody debris dams’ designed to slow and hold back water in times of high flow.
The Flood and Water Management Act 2010 and local land drainage by-laws state that it is the riparian owner’s responsibility to ‘maintain the watercourse and to clear any obstructions (natural or otherwise) so the normal flow of water is not impeded’. However:
- Obstructions, whether natural or man-made, may have a positive effect by slowing peak flows and reducing flood risk downstream whilst creating essential wildlife habitat.
- Removing obstructions can occasionally increase the flood risk to communities downstream or cause erosion and unexpected damage to the watercourse.
- Where the obstruction does not create a flood risk, block key infrastructure such as road culverts or cause erosion, it may be preferable to leave the material in situ.
- Careful consideration should be given to the downstream implications of both removing obstructions and leaving them in situ. Environment Agency or Land Drainage consent may also be required for the works. If in doubt, seek professional advice from the Environment Agency, Gloucestershire County Council Flood Risk Management or your District Council. Visit the contacts section for details.
For more information on Natural Flood Management, please see the Catchment Based Approach website.
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