Harnessing the power of nature to manage flood risk and build climate resilient communities

We’re delivering natural flood management alongside our charity partners: The Wildlife Trusts and Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.

Communities are facing an increased risk of severe weather and flooding. As climate change continues to impact society, we’re taking steps to help build resilient communities that can adapt to these challenges.

Natural flood management (NFM) has proven to be a powerful defence against flooding. This includes the use of wetlands, leaky dams, and sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), such as rain gardens, to slow down the flow of water during heavy rainfall.

Through our partnership with The Wildlife Trusts (TWT), we’re funding research to continue to uncover the benefits of NFM and how it can be applied in communities as a complement to traditional flood management.

Natural Flood Management in our local communities

In 2023, we partnered with Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and provided funding and our risk management expertise to help deliver NFM and SuDS schemes.

In 2025, we’re building on the success of the partnership in Cheltenham and Gloucester by expanding the programme to Stroud and Tewkesbury. The new phase will scale up proven NFM and SuDS schemes and explore new opportunities to unlock match funding, while deepening partnerships with community groups, businesses and local councils.  

Waterscapes programme success in Gloucester and Cheltenham

• Water storage valued at £2.99 million over 10 years and £6.79 million over 30 years
• 2,989,078 litres of water can be stored during heavy rainfall
• 10 nature-based solutions implemented
• 120+ m2 of surfaces de-paved
• 290 new plants added

Learn more about how we’re building resilient communities here.