Shropshire landowners invited to explore re-wetting their land in bid to restore peatlands and reduce flood risk
Landowners across Shropshire are being invited to explore the opportunity to re-wet their land as part of a project aimed at restoring peatlands and developing nature-based water management.
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The Severn Valley Water Management Scheme (SVWMS) has partnered with the Shropshire Wildlife Trust (SWT) to deliver the 'Perry and Peatlands Demonstrator Project'.
The move is part of aims to develop a water management strategy focused on reducing flood risk in the Severn catchment areas.
The SVWMS is made up of four authorities - the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales, Powys County Council and Shropshire Council.
The demonstrator project, managed by Shropshire Council, aims to "implement nature-based solutions to manage water and reduce flood risk" by introducing a series of interventions such as floodplain reconnection and wetland creation - to slow the flow of water and enhance habitats.
An SWT team will work directly with landowners and farmers across the county to design tailored solutions, and landowners will take the lead in designing of the types of measures and landscape changes they believe will help in future flood risk reduction.
Rosie Morrant, who is leading the project for SWT, said: "We have already started talking to farmers and landowners and there is an appetite to get involved in the project where it is appropriate.
"This project is a great opportunity to bring their knowledge and insights into the future of flood management in the Middle Severn catchment starting with a close look at the landscape of the River Perry."
SVWMS demonstrator project programme manager, Pete Lambert added: "The farmers of north Shropshire are very familiar with flooding and with their land, many have already taken part in previous water management schemes, including rewetting peatlands of which there are many in the north of the county.
"This project is a great opportunity to bring their knowledge and insights into the future of flood management in the Middle Severn catchment starting with a close look at the landscape of the River Perry."
Shropshire Council said the Perry and Peatlands Demonstrator Project is hoping to begin practical work of reconnecting floodplains and re-wetting of peatlands from August this year - subject to surveys, licensing agreements and seasonal restrictions.
"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," Mr Lambert continued.
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