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Ancient Craft Builds Modern Flood Defenses
11 Mar
Summary
- Thousands of leaky dams are being built using traditional dry stone walling.
- The project aims to reduce flooding and create new wildlife habitats.
- Over 2,000 dams have been constructed in the South Pennines, with 3,500 planned.
An ancient craft is being modernized to combat flooding and enhance ecosystems in northern England. Traditional dry stone walling techniques are now instrumental in the installation of thousands of "leaky dams" throughout the South Pennines.
The collaborative project, known as Landscapes for Water, involves the National Trust and Yorkshire Water. As of the current reporting period, over 2,000 of the planned 3,500 dams have been successfully built in the uplands of Marsden Moor, West Yorkshire. These dams are strategically placed in streams and rivers.
This method uses locally sourced stones, creating strategic gaps to allow water to flow while also retaining some, thereby reducing downstream flood risks in areas like Huddersfield. The initiative is a green alternative to traditional concrete barriers, promoting habitat creation and raising water tables.
Contractors involved, accustomed to field partitions and garden features, describe this work as a "powerful tool" for landscape restoration. The use of experienced craftsmen ensures the dams are durable and environmentally considerate, offering a unique aesthetic and functional solution to increased rainfall.
