Farmers to help alleviate 'constant' flood threat

Farmers have been encouraged to play a "crucial" role to alleviate a "constant" flood threat in Calderdale.

A new round of grant funding from Calderdale Council and the Environment Agency has been allocated for landowners to implement Natural Flood Management (NFM).

NFM includes initiatives such as planting trees and hedgerows, installing leaky dams and creating attenuation ponds to temporarily hold back water.

Deputy leader of the council Scott Patient said the heavy rains in the area were a "hugely anxiety laden issue" for people.

There are now over 120 sites in Calderdale which are being used for NFM.

These activities are inspired by natural processes and support the temporary storage of water in the landscape, slowing its flow from the hillsides and reducing the flood risk downstream.

In addition to flood prevention benefits, NFM also provides habitats for wildlife, locks carbon in the land to combat climate change and creates healthier, more resilient ecosystems.

Patient told the BBC there had already been success stories from landowners implementing NFM.

"One landowner used the funding to plant trees, not just slowing the flow, but also helping to stabilise the hillside," he said.

"Flooding is something we live with the constant threat of. I have lived experience of it; my house, my neighbours' houses and my children's school twice.

"Anything we can do to add to resilience, working with landowners, is absolutely crucial for us

"Traditional flood defences, such as concrete walls and barriers are important, but we must also look at alternative ways to protect our communities."

Landowners applying for NFM grants will be offered help with the process, including advice on designing projects tailored to individual plots of land.

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