Leeds, UK flood alleviation

With climate change causing more extreme weather, and subsequently an increased risk of flooding, the level of protection offered by engineered flood defences, such as flood walls, will reduce over time. Leeds, UK, experienced devastating floods on Boxing Day in 2015. To address this, Leeds City Council has adopted a Catchment-Wide approach to protecting homes and businesses from risk of flooding, with a combination of traditional engineered defences, and nature based solutions, to offset climate change and maintain levels of flood protection.

We’re working with Leeds City Council to help the region become more resilient. The ‘Leeds Flood Alleviation – Natural Flood Management project’ aims to deliver Nature Based Solutions and Natural Flood Management interventions throughout the 700km2 Upper River Aire Catchment. The project will help to store and slow flows through the landscape before reaching the River Aire.

These interventions will create a more climate resilient environment, helping to offset the impact of climate change on rising flood water. Natural Flood Management, working in partnership with the engineered protection in the city centre, will enhance the level of protection for communities both locally and downstream in the city centre.

Watch this video to learn more about what we’re doing to help the region become more flood resilient, improving the quality of life for its residents.