New pilots announced to push policy on flooding and coastal erosion

The role that trees can play in cutting the risk of flooding is to be investigated in a new Defra funded study announced today aimed at pushing the boundaries of policy on flooding and coastal erosion.

Other projects will consider the contribution farm land can make in reducing flood risk as well as how communities can better adapt to the pressures of coastal erosion.

Announcing the six pilots, Minister for Climate Change and Environment Ian Pearson said: "We can't hide from the consequences of climate change. When we consider the possibility of higher sea levels and storms of greater intensity we have to start thinking differently about how to deal with flooding and coastal erosion - this means adapting to the consequences now and developing greater resilience.

"Government has spent some £4 billion since 1996/1997 managing the risk of flooding and coastal erosion faced by communities across England. But climate change will ratchet up the threats faced by communities which is why we need to investigate new and different responses to dealing with flooding and coastal erosion.

"The pilot projects I have announced today are testing out new and innovative approaches to deal with flooding and coastal erosion.

These pilots will see whether we can push the boundaries of policy and test the potential of whether these innovative ideas can form part of our mainstream policy and delivery.

"Our aim is to get maximum value from taxpayers money spent on reducing flood risk whilst delivering other benefits for communities and the environment if at all possible."

The six pilot studies will consider:

Farming Floodplains for the Future (Staffordshire Washland Partnership) - will encourage economically and environmentally sustainable land use in flood plains that addresses flood risk management through close working with the local Drainage Board.

A Collaborative Approach to Sustainable Coastal Land Management (National Farmers Union) - will encourage and assist land owners on the coast to make informed and sustainable management decisions.

Restoring Floodplain Woodland for Flood Alleviation (Forest Research) - will provide important information on the ability of flood plain forestry to contribute to flood alleviation.

Slapton Coastal Zone Adaptation Plan (South Hams District Council, on behalf of the Slapton Line Partnership) - will produce a plan in liaison with local communities for adapting in response to coastal erosion which will affect transport links, environmental and heritage assets and the local economy.

LiFE: Long-term Initiatives for Flood risk Environments (Building Research Establishment and Barker And Coutts Architects) - will produce guidance on planning and designing sustainable housing and communities in flood plain areas.

Development of an Educational Tool for Sustainable Shoreline Management (Halcrow Group Ltd) - will help us communicate more effectively with stakeholders and improve understanding of some of the difficult long term issues to be addressed in achieving sustainable coastal management.