Farmers in North Shropshire are being actively encouraged to lend their expertise and influence to the Perry and Peatlands Demonstrator Project, a key part of the wider Severn Valley Water Management Scheme (SVWMS). This collaborative effort, bringing together the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales, Powys County Council, and Shropshire Council, is working in partnership with Shropshire Wildlife Trust (SWT) to develop a comprehensive water management strategy aimed at reducing flood risk and delivering broader environmental benefits across the Severn catchment area and beyond.
The Perry and Peatlands Demonstrator Project, spearheaded by Shropshire Council, is specifically focused on implementing nature-based solutions to manage water flow and mitigate flood risk within the local landscape. This involves creating a network of natural interventions, such as reconnecting floodplains to allow for natural water storage and establishing wetlands to slow the flow of water and enhance vital habitats.
Consultants from Faulkner and Mayne are playing a vital role in bridging the gap between the project team and the North Shropshire Farmers Group, actively promoting engagement and ensuring farmers' voices are heard. Sarah Faulkner emphasises the proactive mindset of many farmers, stating, "Many farmers are already looking for practical water management solutions and innovative ways to mitigate the impacts of climate change on their land."
She further highlights the tangible benefits of participation, explaining, "They can clearly see the potential in effective water management and flood controls and recognise the significant opportunities open to them by getting directly involved. By sharing their on-the-ground experience, they can directly influence the types of measures and landscape changes they believe will be most effective in future flood risk reduction for their farms and the wider area." Faulkner and Mayne have facilitated a series of workshops in recent months, fostering positive and open discussions that are proving invaluable in shaping the Perry and Peatlands Demonstrator Project.
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Rosie Morrant, the project lead for SWT, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the deep understanding local farmers have of the challenges. "The farmers of north Shropshire are intimately familiar with the devastating impact of flooding on their land, and many have valuable experience participating in previous flood management schemes," she explains. "This project places farmer-led design at its heart, offering a fantastic opportunity to integrate their wealth of knowledge and practical insights into the future of flood management within the entire Severn catchment, starting with a detailed examination of the River Perry and its neighbouring catchments."
The farmer-led approach has already yielded promising suggestions. These include the implementation of leaky wood barriers strategically placed to slow the flow of water within smaller channels, the re-wiggling of existing field drains to increase water retention and reduce rapid runoff, and the creation of wetland scrapes or attenuation pools designed to tackle localized areas of surface water flooding. Importantly, these natural flood management features offer a significant added bonus by enhancing biodiversity and creating valuable new habitats. The project is also actively supporting farmers in exploring sustainable solutions for managing wetter land and investigating green finance options to support peatland rewetting initiatives.
Subject to the necessary surveys, securing licensing agreements, and adhering to seasonal restrictions, the Perry and Peatlands Demonstrator Project is aiming to commence the practical work of reconnecting floodplains and re-wetting peatlands from August this year. This represents a tangible step forward in implementing farmer-informed solutions to build greater flood resilience in North Shropshire and contribute to a more sustainable future for the entire Severn Valley. Farmers are strongly encouraged to get involved and play a key role in shaping the landscape and safeguarding their livelihoods for years to come.
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