The best way to reduce the risk of flood is to focus on ways that work with nature, not against it, such as constructing flood barriers. So, here we look at the different ways in which we can help minimise the risk.
Managing and planning for floods
Flood water can come from rivers and the sea. We are developing flood management plans for both types of flooding. These are called Catchment Flood Management Plans (CFMPs) for rivers, and Shoreline Management Plans (SMPs) for sea flooding and coastal erosion. These consider a large area of land, so that we can assess how defending from flooding in one area may have an effect elsewhere.
Changes of land use, such as building houses or putting down concrete can also have an effect on flood risk. Because of this, we advise against developments that will have an adverse affect on flooding. Find out more below.