Gloucestershire Communities Fortify Flood Defenses as Autumn Rains Loom

As autumn arrives and the rain starts falling, communities across Gloucestershire are bracing for potential floods. Local authorities and organizations are taking proactive measures to mitigate the impact.

Shropshire Wildlife Trust has been constructing "leaky dams" in the River Teme catchment area to slow the flow of water downstream. These dams, made of branches and twigs, have been found to store an additional 100 cubic metres of water per dam, slowly releasing 10 million litres over a week and preventing a sudden rush downstream. The trust believes this approach can be scaled up to impact flooding in areas like Worcester and Gloucester.

Meanwhile, the Environmental Audit Committee has called on the government to establish a national flood service to provide expert help and clear accountability. This comes as some communities still struggle to determine who is responsible for managing flood risk where they live.

For residents in flood-prone areas like Tewkesbury, the threat of flooding is a reality they have learned to accept. Caroline Price, whose home was flooded in January 2024, says the devastation was "pretty dramatic," but acknowledges that flooding is a risk that comes with living near the Severn and Avon rivers.

As the autumn rains approach, flood wardens and parish councils are closely monitoring river levels and preparing emergency supplies, ready to warn residents if a surge occurs. While the battle against flooding continues, Gloucestershire's communities are determined to be as prepared as possible.