Llanidloes residents invited to drop-in event to learn about ambitions to reduce flood risk and improve environment in Upper Severn catchment
A drop-in session is being held on Tuesday 26 November to inform Llanidloes residents about the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme (SVWMS) ambitions to reduce flood risk and improve the environment in the Upper Severn catchment.
Residents can drop in at any point between 2-7pm to learn more about the scheme and to ask questions.
The SVWMS is a partnership between leading organisations, including the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales, Powys County Council, and Shropshire Council. Together, they aim to reduce flood risk, enhance water management and support the natural environment across the Upper Severn region.
Visit the new SVWMS website to explore updates, share your input, and stay connected with the project’s progress.
By combining innovative approaches and community collaboration, the SVWMS aims to deliver:
- Improved flood risk management: Slowing water flow upstream to protect communities downstream.
- Rich Biodiversity: New habitats like wetlands and woodlands to support wildlife.
- Climate Action: Boosting carbon storage and resilience against the climate crisis.
- Community Engagement: Opportunities to participate and take pride in local conservation.
- Economic Security: Reduce risk to businesses and infrastructure from costly flood damage.
Gavin Bown, Natural Resources Wales, Head of Operations for Mid Wales said:
“This is an ambitious but important project as we face a climate and nature emergency. We are seeing adverse weather events, such as flooding and periods of drought, occurring more frequently than we have experienced in recent decades.
The Severn Valley Water Management Scheme (SVWMS) is looking at new and innovative ways to supplement our flood risk management activities and help further address these issues through using natural flood management to reduce the risk of flood or drought by working with natural systems.
NRW and Welsh Government are committed to the sustainable management of our natural resources. The SVWMS is a project which could provide us with additional longer-term solutions to sustainably manage water in the Severn catchment. We welcome the opportunity for communities to help inform the scheme.”
David McKnight, Environment Agency Area Flood and Coastal Risk Manager for the West Midlands said:
“Delivering the SVWMS is a long-term solution to sustainable water management and has the potential of better protecting thousands of homes and businesses from flood risk across the upper Severn catchment in England and Wales.
“We are looking forward to sharing progress as it is made and for people to contribute and engage with us as the project advances. We want to hear from all areas of the Severn community as we embark on the strategy that the catchment needs to be able to adapt to our changing climate and continue to thrive.
“The new SVWMS website will be a reliable and informative resource for anyone wanting to engage with partners and we will update the venue details of our community drop-in sessions and event summaries there too.”
Councillor James Gibson-Watt, at Powys County Council, added:
“The Severn Valley Water Management Scheme is a significant opportunity to address climate impacts being experienced within our communities in Powys. We're excited to be a partner in this initiative and would encourage participation in the upcoming community events to learn more about the project and the potential opportunities it could bring.”
Councillor Ian Nellins, Deputy Leader and Cabinet member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport at Shropshire Council, added:
"The Severn Valley Water Management Scheme represents a significant step forward in our efforts to protect communities and enhance our natural environment.
“This project not only addresses the immediate flood risks but also supports biodiversity and our fight against climate change.
“We encourage everyone to participate in the upcoming sessions to learn more about the positive impacts this scheme will bring."