Section 18 report: Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management in Wales 2020 – 2023

Executive Summary

This report on Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management in Wales is produced as a requirement under section 18 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. It provides an update to Welsh Ministers on progress made in implementing the Welsh Government’s National Strategy for Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management published in October 2020.

The National Strategy for Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management in Wales (2020) sets Welsh Government’s aims and objectives for managing flooding, as well as the measures to be taken over the next decade by Risk Management Authorities (RMAs) and others to improve how we plan and prepare for, respond and adapt to, the risks from flooding.

This ‘Section 18 report’ (as it is commonly termed) details progress made against the Strategy and measures and the objectives over the period October 2020 to March 2023.  It also includes other information that Welsh Government has requested be reported (as detailed in Para 335 of the National Strategy). It is a factual report and compiled from information provided by the RMAs operating in Wales, and we gratefully acknowledge the assistance of partner organisations in producing this update.

There are 24 measures in the National Strategy and this report shows that:

• 13 measures are already complete, although 7 of those require related ongoing activities to continue and 4 require the consideration of next steps,
• 9 are underway, with 5 of those measures behind target, and
• 2 remain yet to start or are on hold.

This shows that good progress has been made throughout the reporting period on delivering the measures and consequently the objectives within the Strategy. However, there are several areas of work that remain underway or not yet started and there is clearly key further work to be completed.

This Section 18 report also includes information on flood events during the period. Over the past 3 years there have been several flooding events from rivers, surface water and the sea. The start of this reporting period comes shortly after the significant floods in February 2020, where over 3,000 properties were flooded. The activities of many RMAs in the reporting period have been heavily influenced by the February 2020 floods.

Over the first three financial years of the Strategy (April 2020 to March 2023), Welsh Government has invested over £206 million in flood and coastal erosion risk management. Major schemes completed include alleviation works at:

• Crindau, Newport
• East Rhyl
• Central Rhyl
• Prestatyn, Denbighshire
• Llyn Tegid, Bala

Important revenue funded work on maintenance of assets, flood detection, forecasting and warning, and planning control also contributes to the management of flood risk.

This report contains examples of good FCERM practice in the sector, including:

• Innovative projects from Isle of Anglesey, Neath Port Talbot, Wales Coastal Monitoring Centre and Natural Resources Wales
• Natural Flood Management schemes in Neath Port Talbot, Gwynedd, Powys and Rhondda Cynon Taff.
• Partnership working including Carmarthen County Council working with Ysgol Dyffryn Amman to alleviate flood impacts at Margaret Street, Ammanford
• Information provision by Natural Resources Wales through the publication of Flood Risk Assessment Wales and other flood digital services
• Community participation events held by RMAs including Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Natural Resources Wales.

Introduction

Natural Resources Wales has a statutory duty under section 18 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 to produce a report for the Welsh Ministers about the application of the Welsh Government National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) Strategy (the ‘National Strategy’ or ‘strategy’). This duty is delivered through the production of this report, commonly known as the ‘Section 18 report’. This is a factual report and draws on information supplied by the Risk Management Authorities (RMAs) in Wales, and relevant others. It covers the period from the publication of the National Strategy in October 2020, to March 2023.

Welsh Government has specified the content requirements of the Section 18 report in its National Strategy, paragraph 335.

Figure 1: Extract from the Welsh Government National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy detailing how the strategy should be monitored.

This Section 18 report is split into three parts to best capture the monitoring and reporting requirements of the National Strategy. Part one provides an update against the National Strategy measures and objectives including an update against each measure. Part two provides an update against the remaining elements of paragraph 335. Part three presents the annual reporting that NRW carries out, this further demonstrates and provides examples of the delivery of the Strategies objectives.

The format differs from previous Section 18 reports that were produced prior to the new National Strategy, and its reporting requirements, being in place. These previous Section 18 reports are available on our website.

To note, paragraph 335 requires the production of a Section 18 report every two years after publication of the National Strategy. This would have meant reporting in 2022. Welsh Government directed that the production of this first report on the 2020 National Strategy be re-scheduled for 2023, 3 years after the publication of the National Strategy. This was due to consideration of the potential competing resource and timing implications of other reporting responsibilities of Risk Management Authorities, such as Flood Risk Management Plans and Strategies. Hence this report covers the period October 2020 to March 2023.  It is the intention that future reports will cover the two relevant financial years – so the October 2025 report to cover April 2023 to March 2025.

An update on the National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) strategy measures and objectives

The National FCERM Strategy has an overarching aim and five objectives, with a stated intention in the Strategy that they collectively reduce the risk to life.

Aim: Reduce the risk to people and communities from flooding and coastal erosion

Objectives:

• Improving our understanding and communication of risk
• Preparedness and building resilience
• Prioritising investment to the most at risk communities
• Preventing more people becoming exposed to risk
• Providing an effective and sustained response to events

Delivery of objectives

The National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy has 24 measures that delivery against the five objectives. Each measure is assigned to the delivery of at least one objective. The chart below provides a visual representation of progress against each of the objectives by showing the status of the measures that are aligned (by WG, in the Strategy) to each objective. By this analysis, all five objectives are 85 to 100% complete or underway. The coming years will see the remaining measures taken forward into delivery.

Figure 2: Chart showing delivery progress of each National FCERM Strategy objective

Whilst the measures in the Strategy are expressly linked to the objectives, there are of course other activities outside of the measures that deliver against the objectives.  For example, the NRW Annual Reports describe the range of activities undertaken by NRW, all of which deliver across a range of the objectives in the National Strategy. These are included within Part three of this report.

Summary of progress of the Measures

The National FCERM Strategy contains 24 measures that will help deliver the aim and the objectives. The following table provides a summary of progress against each measure. Further dialogue as to how each measure is progressing is included in the section following the table.

Each measure has been assigned one of the following states:

• Complete – the measure has been delivered in line with the National Strategy.
• Complete – next steps needed – the measure has been delivered, however further work is required to take account of recommendations or to deliver additional outcomes.
• Complete – ongoing – the measure has been delivered, however it relates to activities that need to continue on an ongoing basis
• Underway – work to deliver the required action has commenced
• Underway – behind target - work to deliver the required action has commenced, however it has not achieved the required deadlines given within the National Strategy
• Not Started – work is yet to commence and delivery date has not passed
• On hold – work to deliver the required action has been halted for given reasons

Table 1: Summary progress against the National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management strategy measures

No.	Measure	Lead	Objective	Summary update
1	Flood and Coastal Erosion Committee to establish the scope and consider the need for changes to legislation to clarify and support the delivery of FCERM in Wales by 2022	FCEC	A - E	Complete – next steps needed The final report was approved by the committee in September 2022 and submitted to the Minister.
2	Delivery of annual topographic surveys by Wales Coastal Monitoring Centre on behalf of Coastal Groups to measure change in the most at risk coastal areas in Wales	Coastal Groups and WCMC	A & C	Underway 647 of 1,605 topographic surveys have been undertaken so far.
3	NRW to publish new FRAW maps in 2020 alongside the Strategy and update every 6 months to reflect changes in National Asset Dataset	NRW	A - E	Complete - ongoing NRW published the new FRAW maps in October 2020 on the NRW website and through DataMapWales. FRAW is updated every 6 months.
4	NRW to provide data on the number of homes and businesses at high, medium and low risk of flooding from all sources on an annual basis based on FRAW updates	NRW	A & C	Complete - ongoing The FRAW project completed in 2019 and has been followed by a data management project allowing NRW to provide annual updates.
5	Risk Management Authorities to update maps, plans and data in line with the schedule set out in Figure 12 of the National Strategy	NRW, Local Authorities	A - E	Complete - ongoing NRW maintain a number of flood and coastal erosion risk maps which are updated in line with the National Strategy. NRW and LLFAs also produce plans in line with Figure 12 of the National Strategy.
6	NRW and Local Authorities will work together to ensure that by end of 2021 the National Asset Database will contain data on all FCERM assets owned or designated by Risk Management Authorities	NRW, Local Authorities	A - D	Underway – behind target NRW delivered a purpose built web page and interactive map "Find flood defence structures near you (The National Flood Asset Database)" in December 2021 and hosts data classed as significant from 20 out of 22 LLFAs (as well as NRW data).
7	NRW will work with Local Authorities to develop a process to ensure all updates are incorporated in the National Asset Database within 6 months of any completed works or changes otherwise required, by the end of 2021.	NRW, Local Authorities	A - D	Complete - ongoing During development of the National Flood Asset Database, NRW developed a process and webpage that is to be used by LLFAs to submit any changes.
8	NRW to utilise the National Asset Database to ensure Wales Flood Map reflects the reduced risk from all flood alleviation schemes by 2022	NRW	A - D	Complete - ongoing The Wales Flood Map is updated every 6 months using the most up to date information from NRW’s mapping and modelling programme and asset data.
9	NRW to ensure the National Coastal Erosion Risk Map (NCERM) matches SMP policies by 2021 and shows erosion rates as bands in the Wales Flood Map products by end of 2022	NRW	A - E	Complete NRW published NCERM maps on the website which shows coastal erosion and SMP information in map format.
10	Coastal Groups to report annual progress on SMP Action Plans to the Welsh Government through the Wales Coastal Group Forum	Coastal Groups	A - D	Complete - ongoing The Wales Coastal Group Forum produces an annual progress report for Welsh Government.
11	Coastal Groups to report on the implementation of SMP2 epoch 1 policies, through Wales Coastal Group Forum to the Welsh Government, by 2025	Coastal Groups	A - D	Not started This measure is planned to be started during 2023/24.
12	NRW to complete their online flood information improvements, working with WLGA and Local Authorities, by 2021. This will include publication of the Wales Flood Map products, understanding flood warnings and advice on building resilience and responding to flooding	NRW	A, B, D & E	Complete NRW have published a number of improvements to online information including improvements to the flood risk map and flood related information.
13	The Welsh Government will fully fund NFM schemes for a trial period, commencing 2020/21, and publish new guidance to further encourage take-up and the sharing of lessons on its practical delivery	Welsh Government	A, B & C	Underway – behind target WG ran an NFM pilot programme where funding was provided for 15 NFM projects. The projects are complete and WG are reviewing the reports and undertaking an evaluation.
14	The Welsh Government will work cross policy to ensure NFM is considered in wider land and water management, including agriculture and in NRW Area Statements	Welsh Government	A, B & C	Underway WG and NRW are working to make sure there are good cross policy links between flooding and agriculture.
15	The number of NFM and hybrid schemes undertaken will be reported to the Welsh Government annually through grant reporting, and reported to Welsh Ministers by NRW in the Section 18 report	All RMAs	A, B & C	Complete - ongoing WG have made improvements to their programme management system and forms which facilitates better information gathering and monitoring of NFM schemes.
16	The Welsh Government to commence a review of the effectiveness of SuDS legislation in 2021	Welsh Government	B & C	Complete – next steps needed WG have completed a review into the effectiveness of SUDs.
17	The Welsh Government to update TAN15 by 2021 recognising the flood risk information now available to Local Planning Authorities	Welsh Government	B & D	Underway – behind target A second consultation into changes to TAN15 was conducted in early 2023. WG are working through the consultation responses.
18	The Welsh Government to work with the Coastal Groups and NRW to develop further guidance on coastal adaptation by 2022	Welsh Government and Coastal Groups	A, B & D	On hold Due to wider work commitments and resource pressure, prioritisation of the Adaptation Guidance has been put on temporary hold. Work will recommence once additional resources are recruited into the flood policy team.
19	NRW to develop and establish an appropriate monitoring programme to support and inform the National Habitat Creation Programme by 2022	NRW	C	Underway – behind target Monitoring of predicted losses continues to be taken through Coastal Squeeze Assessments at a project level. Monitoring and routine survey work is underway at compensatory sites.
20	The Welsh Government, WLGA, NRW and LRFs to standardise immediate reporting of flooding to properties and erosion events by end of 2021, in line with the Wales Flood Response Framework	Welsh Government/ Wales Flood Group	A, C & E	Complete Following review with RMAs and wider resilience providers, there will be no changes.
21	Flood and Coastal Erosion Committee, WLGA and Local Authorities to collaborate and establish high-level requirements and supporting guidance for Section 19 flood investigation reports by 2023	FCEC / WLGA and Local Authorities	A, C & E	Underway Professor Elwen Evans completed work to review Section 19 reporting in Wales in summer 2023. The FCEC has established a Sub-Committee to deliver on this measure on Section 19 reports, with the intention that a revised target date for delivery will be agreed soon.
22	The Welsh Government will work with Risk Management Authorities to develop a 5 to 10 year investment programme pipeline	Welsh Government and all RMAs	A - D	Underway WG will work collaboratively with all RMAs to consider future investment needs commencing in 2024 by using prioritisation options from Local Authority strategies and NRW’s FRMP.
23	NRW will work with Local Authorities and the Welsh Government to publish long-term investment requirements for FCERM, complementing FRAW, by end of 2021	NRW	A - D	Underway – behind target The first phase of assessment of the long-term investment requirements for managing the flood defence asset base in Wales was completed during 2022/23.
24	The Flood and Coastal Erosion Committee will explore opportunities to maximise partner contributions and investment in FCERM by 2022	FCEC	C	Complete – next steps needed The Final Report “Resources for FCERM in Wales” was approved by the Committee in May 2022 and submitted to the Minister.

Further information on progress of the Measures

• Measure 1: Flood and Coastal Erosion Committee to establish the scope and consider the need for changes to legislation to clarify and support the delivery of FCERM in Wales by 2022
  
  Lead: FCEC
  
  Status: Complete - next steps needed
  
  Update: The Final Report The Case for Change in Legislation and Associated Policy on FCERM in Wales was approved by the Committee in September 2022 and submitted to the Minister. As at the end of the reporting period (March 2023), the report was being considered by the Minister. The ministerial response will determine what further action is needed in progressing the report’s proposals.
  
  The Flood and Coastal Erosion Committee have been engaging with the Law Commission with a view to accommodating some of the proposals within their forward work programme.
  
  
• Measure 2: Delivery of annual topographic surveys by Wales Coastal Monitoring Centre (WCMC) on behalf of Coastal Groups to measure change in the most at risk coastal areas in Wales
  
  Lead: Coastal Groups and WCMC
  
  Status: Underway
  
  Update: In 2019 a strategic survey programme was implemented to focus annual topographic surveys on the most at risk coastal locations in Wales.
  
  As at March 2023, the WCMC have completed around 40% of the planned survey programme. This equates to 647 out of 1605 planned surveys.
  
  At the start of 2022/23, the WCMC was awarded a 47% increase in budget. This increase helped increase survey coverage, frequency, and density across Wales as well as recruit an additional full-time Coastal Scientist.
  
  Annual Reports published by the WCMC provide further insight into their work and the progress of the survey programme.
  
  
• Measure 3: NRW to publish new FRAW maps in 2020 alongside the Strategy and update every 6 months to reflect changes in National Asset Dataset
  
  Lead: NRW
  
  Status: Complete - ongoing
  
  Update: NRW launched an update to the online flood mapping service with the publication of the Flood Risk Assessment Wales (FRAW) map in October 2020. This is a new national risk assessment for flooding from rivers, the sea, surface water and small watercourses to categorise locations into high, medium and low areas of risk. It also displays extra information, such as flood defence locations and the local benefits they bring. The new map is available to view on the NRW website with the new data also available on DataMapWales.
  
  There have been bi-annual updates to the online flood mapping service since launch - every May and November, incorporating new, detailed local model for rivers and sea flood risk sources.
  
  
• Measure 4: NRW to provide data on the number of homes and businesses at high, medium and low risk of flooding from all sources on an annual basis based on FRAW updates
  
  Lead: NRW
  
  Status: Complete - ongoing
  
  Update: The Flood Risk Assessment Wales (FRAW) project completed in 2019 and outputted the FRAW map and accompanying data sets. This has been followed by a data management project which has created a series of tools to enable the key flood risk datasets created by the original FRAW project to be managed, maintained and updated. Throughout 2023, the component parts of FRAW will be re-run for the first time and will allow annual risk updates for people and properties to be produced. The updated risk figures are included in Part two of this report.
  
  
• Measure 5: Risk Management Authorities to update maps, plans and data in line with the schedule set out in Figure 12 of the National Strategy
  
  Lead: NRW, Local Authorities
  
  Status: Complete - ongoing
  
  Update: NRW maintain a number of flood and coastal erosion risk maps. The frequency of update is detailed in the table below.

Table 2: Table showing the digital products that NRW maintain and their frequency of update

Map/data/plan	Frequency of update	Additional information
Wales Flood map	Every 6 months	Updated product published on the flood risk viewer section of the NRW website every May and November.
FRAW map	Every 6 months	Discussions have started with LLFAs and WG to establish if there needs to be a more frequent re-run of the surface water and small watercourses component of FRAW.
Flood Map for Planning	Every 6 months	The Flood Map for Planning is not yet fully integrated into WG planning policy, as TAN15 changes are on hold but is being updated every 6 months regardless.
NCERM map	Ad hoc as required	First edition published in December 2022.
Communities at Risk Register (CARR)	Annually	Latest version of CaRR was released in Autumn 2019. Since then NRW have developed a production process to enable the CaRR to be routinely updated with new information. A new version of the CaRR will be available from Autumn 2023 and will be released to professional partners in consultation and agreement with the Welsh Government and Welsh Local Government Association.
National asset database	Every 6 months	Can be updated in line with Wales Flood Map updates
Shoreline Management Plans (SMPs)	As new data available	Phase 1 SMP refresh was undertaken by Spring 2021. Phase 2 is planned to start during late 2023/24. Further information can be found about the refresh project on the Shoreline Management Plan page.
Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment	Every 6 years	Preliminary Flood Risk Assessments were produced covering the Dee, the Severn and the Western Wales River Basin Districts for all sources of flood risk in 2018.
Flood Risk Management Plans	Every 6 years	NRW’s Flood Risk Management Plan has been updated and published in November 2023. Local Authorities in Wales are producing updated Action Plans alongside their update to Local Strategies, see below
Local Flood Risk Management Strategy	Within 2 years of National Strategy	Local Authorities are updating their Local Flood Risk Management Strategies and will be complete by the end of March 2024.

 

• Measure 6: NRW and Local Authorities will work together to ensure that by end of 2021 the National Asset Database will contain data on all FCERM assets owned or designated by Risk Management Authorities
  
  Lead: NRW, Local Authorities
  
  Status: Underway – behind target
  
  Update: NRW published an interactive Find flood defence structures near you (The National Flood Asset Database) map in December 2021 with asset data from NRW and 16 Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFAs).  Following an update in December 2022, the map now displays data from NRW and 20 LLFAs who have submitted key flood asset data.
  
  Bringing this information together will ensure that Welsh Government investment in improved flood defences is reflected in both our flood risk and economic modelling, improving decision making and making our flood risk models more accurate.
  
  
• Measure 7: NRW will work with Local Authorities to develop a process to ensure all updates are incorporated in the National Asset Database within 6 months of any completed works or changes otherwise required, by the end of 2021.
  
  Lead: NRW, Local Authorities
  
  Status: Complete - ongoing
  
  Update: As part of the delivery of measure 6, a process and webpage has been developed for updates to the National Asset Database and this information has been provided to Local Authorities.  The process encourages early conversations with NRW teams during Local Authority scheme development to ensure compatibility of information with the database. This may involve a Flood Map Challenge process, as well as submission of good quality asset information. Depending on the size and complexity of a project a flood map challenge may take up to 6 months before being accepted.
  
  
• Measure 8: NRW to utilise the National Asset Database to ensure Wales Flood Map reflects the reduced risk from all flood alleviation schemes by 2022
  
  Lead: NRW
  
  Status: Complete - ongoing
  
  Update: The Wales Flood Map is updated on a 6 monthly cycle with up to date risk data from NRW’s mapping and modelling programme, which also incorporates NRW’s flood schemes, or risk and asset data from Local Authorities submitted and accepted by NRW as part of measure 7.
  
  The NAD therefore containing updated and more comprehensive information regarding new flood alleviation schemes ensures that the Wales Flood Map products reflect the latest improvements and investment in flood defence structures.
  
  
• Measure 9: NRW to ensure the National Coastal Erosion Risk Map (NCERM) matches SMP policies by 2021 and shows erosion rates as bands in the Wales Flood Map products by end of 2022
  
  Lead: NRW
  
  Status: Complete
  
  Update: NRW completed work to improve the visualisation of coastal erosion data in map products by publishing the Coastal risk map online. The map shows NCERM data as spatial bands which give a projection of anticipated erosion over the short, medium and long term scenarios with a percentage confidence range. This will enable homeowners and partners to understand the level of risk to the coast from coastal erosion.
  
  The maps also contain the latest update of the Shoreline Management Plan data (yellow line) and the tidal flood risk maps from FRAW mapping (green zones). The SMP data allows users to quickly understand policy unit extents and their management policies, with further information available when you click on the line.
  
  
• Measure 10: Coastal Groups to report annual progress on SMP Action Plans to the Welsh Government through the Wales Coastal Group Forum
  
  Lead: Coastal Groups
  
  Status: Complete - ongoing
  
  Update: The process for undertaking annual reporting on SMP Action Plans has been put in place across Wales. The report on SMP progress from 2022 has been drafted and shows a reduction in the overall number of active actions from 928 in 2020 to 631 in 2022. This significant reduction is due to business as usual measures being completed or cancelled. 
  
  The 2022 SMP progress report was finalised in August 2023 and reported that of the remaining 631 actions 38% are progressing, 9% are planned and programmed, 28% are on hold due to a mixture of resource, funding and delivery constraints, 21% challenged, and the status at the time of reporting was unknown for 3% of actions.
  
  
• Measure 11: Coastal Groups to report on the implementation of SMP2 epoch 1 policies, through Wales Coastal Group Forum to the Welsh Government, by 2025
  
  Lead: Coastal Groups
  
  Status: Not started
  
  Update: The Wales Coastal groups’ Forum has not progressed with this measure which is not due until 2025. To date, the work of the Forum has focussed on the SMP Action Plan update and planning the delivery of Phase 2 of the Shoreline Management Plan Refresh. Measure 11 is planned to be started in 2023/24 with a template being agreed and shared with all Coastal groups.

• Measure 12: NRW to complete their online flood information improvements, working with WLGA and Local Authorities, by 2021. This will include publication of the Wales Flood Map products, understanding flood warnings and advice on building resilience and responding to flooding
  
  Lead: NRW
  
  Status: Complete
  
  Update: NRW have made significant improvements to online flood products in recent years.
  These include:
  • The publication of new digital services including River Levels, Rainfall and Sea Data, Flood Warnings and Alerts and Five Day Flood Risk for Wales. These new digital products provide a better customer journey, more data (rainfall and sea level data), clearer information/advice, much greater service resilience at time of peak demand and compliance with accessibility standards.
  • Improvements to the NRW website to make advice and information more easily accessible with improved signposting to organisations that can help with housing, mental health advice, traffic information, evacuation procedures, energy supplies and funding.
  • The development of a ‘Check your Flood Risk’ app which gives customers an easier experience when creating a flood risk report for the area around their property and enables a text report output rather than map if required.
  • Improvements made to the NRW website to make key flooding information more readily available to the public before, during and after a flood incident including a webpage detailing the responsibility for different types of watercourses.
  • Development of a new suite of flood social media assets for use in communicating flood risk and practical actions to the public before, during and after flooding.
  • Creation of a ‘report a flood incident’ online form for easy access flood reporting.
  • Improvements to NRW’s online flood mapping service through the publication of the Flood Risk Assessment Wales map, the Flood map for Planning and National Coastal Erosion Risk Management map.

• Measure 13: The Welsh Government will fully fund NFM schemes for a trial period, commencing 2020/21, and publish new guidance to further encourage take-up and the sharing of lessons on its practical delivery
  
  Lead: Welsh Government
  
  Status: Underway – behind target
  
  Update: Welsh Government have recently concluded their Natural Flood Management Pilot Programme which ran from May 2020 to March 2023. This programme was designed to promote and encourage NFM in Wales and to learn lessons from delivery. More than £3 million in grant funding was made available through this programme which was 100% grant funded. Funding was provided for 15 projects which were delivered by 10 different Risk Management Authorities (RMAs) across Wales.
  
  Risk Management Authorities will be brought together to monitor ongoing work and share best practice, allowing those carrying out works to establish what works well in different environments, and to encourage the use of more natural flood management schemes in future. This work will commence early 2024 allowing Schemes to have collated data to support the work.
  
  Welsh Government have commissioned a review of NFM status and delivery in Wales. The purpose of this review was to establish how NFM is being delivered, how further work could be prioritised and potential delivery routes including working cross policy. The recommendations from this work are currently being considered by officials.
  
  
• Measure 14: The Welsh Government will work cross policy to ensure NFM is considered in wider land and water management, including agriculture and in NRW Area Statements
  
  Lead: Welsh Government
  
  Status: Underway
  
  Update: Welsh Government and NRW are working to make sure there are good cross policy links between flooding and agriculture. This is particularly important for Natural Flood Management which by its nature requires close collaboration to develop and deliver schemes which provide a large range of benefits. We are currently working to integrate Natural Flood Management into the development of the Sustainable Farming Scheme. When live, this scheme will help enable and incentivise landowners to utilise nature-based solutions to provide a range of benefits including, flood risk management, water quality and biodiversity. Outline proposals for the Sustainable Farming Scheme are published here: Sustainable Farming Scheme: outline proposals for 2025 | GOV.WALES
  
  Welsh Government have also recently announced a NFM accelerator programme which is a pilot Rural Investment Scheme. This will encourage and support Natural Flood Management over the next 2 years. The learning from this programme will also support in the development of the Sustainable Farming Scheme. Applications have been received and are going through the review process.
  
  
• Measure 15: The number of NFM and hybrid schemes undertaken will be reported to the Welsh Government annually through grant reporting, and reported to Welsh Ministers by NRW in the Section 18 report
  
  Lead: All RMAs
  
  Status: Complete - ongoing
  
  Update: Welsh Government FCERM Business Case Guidance requires all Risk Management Authorities applying for funding through Welsh Government to consider natural flood management at the short list stage. As a result of this and other works on NFM we are starting to see NFM form a more integral role in the work we deliver.
  
  Welsh Government have made changes to their programme management system and application forms which will help monitoring projects in the programme with NFM elements.
  
  Welsh Government have provided funding to help support NFM based projects through two separate programmes: the first covering 2020-22 and the second 2022-23, further information on these programmes is provided in the table below. It should be noted that funding was provided for individual project stages and each of these projects are therefore at different phases of delivery and therefore may appear in both programmes.

Table 3: Natural Flood Management Programme 2020-22

Delivery Authority	Project Location	Properties Benefitting	Funding Allocated (£)
Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council	Cwmcelyn & Westside	100	-
Cardiff Council	Rhiwbina, Cardiff	tbc*	60,000
Carmarthenshire County Council	Ammanford	tbc*	150,000
Denbighshire County Council	River Clwyd Catchment	tbc*	997,000
Gwynedd Council	Rhydymain and Dolgellau	tbc*	105,000
Isle of Anglesey County Council	Dwyran	3	23,000
Isle of Anglesey County Council	Beaumaris	10	422,000
Monmouthshire County Council	Monmouthshire Opportunity Assessment and Delivery	tbc*	45,000
Natural Resources Wales	Teifi Uchaf	150	45,000
Natural Resources Wales	Dinas Powys	216	96,000
Natural Resources Wales (lead) & Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council	Nant Gwrach, Glynneath	195	70,000
Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council	Brynau and Preswylfa	417	64,000
Powys County Council	Guilsfield Brook	26	63,000
Powys County Council	Upper Teme, Knighton	50	130,000

*Some projects at early stages are yet to define the benefits they will provide

Table 4: Natural Flood Management Programme 2022-23

Delivery Authority	Project Location	Properties Benefitting	Funding Allocated (£)
Carmarthenshire County Council	Ammanford	tbc*	130,000
Ceredigion County Council	Teifi Uchaf	tbc*	25,000
Denbighshire County Council	River Clwyd Catchment	tbc*	665,000
Isle of Anglesey County Council	Dwyran	3	20,000
Isle of Anglesey County Council	Beaumaris	10	320,000
Monmouthshire County Council	Monmouthshire Opportunity Assessment and Delivery	tbc*	30,000
Natural Resources Wales	Llanfair Talhaiarn	30	120,000
Natural Resources Wales	Dinas Powys	40	50,000
Natural Resources Wales (lead) & Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council	Nant Gwrach, Glynneath	150	60,000
Powys County Council	Upper Teme, Knighton	50	19,000

*Some projects at early stages are yet to define the benefits they will provide

• Measure 16: The Welsh Government to commence a review of the effectiveness of SuDS legislation in 2021
  
  Lead: Welsh Government
  
  Status: Complete - next steps needed
  
  Update: Welsh Government undertook their review of the implementation of sustainable drainage systems or SUDs during the reporting period of this report and then published it in July 2023 via a Statement by the Minister for Climate Change. Internal workshops to analyse the report recommendations are underway, following which, options for taking the recommendations forward will be developed for Ministers’ consideration.
  
  
• Measure 17: The Welsh Government to update TAN15 by 2021 recognising the flood risk information now available to Local Planning Authorities
  
  Lead: Welsh Government
  
  Status: Underway - behind target
  
  Update: A revised TAN15 was ready for publication in December 2021, supported by the Flood Map for Planning which takes account of climate change over a 100yr lifetime (2121).  However, publication was postponed allowing Local Planning Authorities further time to consider the impacts of climate change projections on their respective areas and to develop a fuller understanding of the consequences of flooding.  During this time, the Welsh Government directed Local Planning Authorities to review their Strategic Flood Consequences Assessments (SFCA), informed by the new Flood Map for Planning.  In addition to the SFCA review, local authorities were asked to work in partnership with other flood risk management authorities to identify a pipeline of priority flood risk management schemes to address flood risk and vulnerability.  This work subsequently confirmed the accuracy of the Flood Map for Planning upon which the TAN15 policy is based.
  
  The coming into force of the TAN was originally postponed until 1 June 2023.  However, due to feedback on the challenges the revised TAN presented for strategic planning and future investment decisions, the Welsh Government proposed further changes and undertook a focussed re-consultation which concluded on 17 April 2023.  The consultation responses have raised many differing views which need to be fully assessed. Given the size and complexity of the task in analysing the responses and making further changes to the TAN, it is unlikely the new version will come into force before the end of this year.
  
  Although the Flood Map for Planning has no formal status until the revised TAN15 is implemented, it does provide the most up to date assessment of projected flood risk and is a useful tool to inform planning advice.
  
  The Minister will make a further announcement of the timing of the TAN once a full analysis of the consultation has been completed.
  
  
• Measure 18: The Welsh Government to work with the Coastal Groups and NRW to develop further guidance on coastal adaptation by 2022
  
  Lead: Welsh Government and Coastal Groups
  
  Status: On hold
  
  Update: Welsh Government have produced a draft version of the coastal adaptation guidance which has been shared with key stakeholders. This work has been put on hold as there is no resource to complete it. Welsh Government are mindful that there needs to be further engagement and input to ensure expectations are managed in relation to what can be included in any Adaptation Guidance.  
  
  Work will recommence in 2024 taking into consideration the wider Adaptation plans being delivered in Welsh Government and Climate Change Adaptation Strategies.
  
  
• Measure 19: NRW to develop and establish an appropriate monitoring programme to support and inform the National Habitat Creation Programme by 2022
  
  Lead: NRW
  
  Status: Underway -  behind target
  
  Update: NRW continues to monitor intertidal habitat loss through a predicted evaluation at a Project level for all major coastal plans and projects through appropriate coastal squeeze assessments. Existing habitat loss estimates (from SMP2 Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRA)) will be re-evaluated utilising revised sea level rise projections and rates as they are periodically revised.
  
  The NHCP has so far created compensatory habitat through managed realignment at Cwm Ivy Marsh and Crofty on north Gower, and at Morfa Friog at the mouth of the Mawddach Estuary. Monitoring of these sites has been undertaken periodically since 2015 and are currently repeated on a two-yearly cycle.
• Measure 20: The Welsh Government, WLGA, NRW and LRFs to standardise immediate reporting of flooding to properties and erosion events by end of 2021, in line with the Wales Flood Response Framework
  
  Lead: Welsh Government / Wales Flood Group
  
  Status: Complete
  
  Update: Following discussion with RMAs and wider resilience providers, there is no desire to change reporting processes, other than standardising the template sent on to Local Authorities for collation of data following an event. There are other systems available to obtain data, but none that are more efficient or effective than our current method of email data collation.
  
  Following Welsh Government discussions with RMAs and wider resilience providers, there is no desire to standardise reporting processes. There are other systems available to obtain data, but none that are more efficient or effective than our current method of email data collation, therefore no further action will be taken.
  
  
• Measure 21: Flood and Coastal Erosion Committee, WLGA and Local Authorities to collaborate and establish high-level requirements and supporting guidance for Section19 flood investigation reports by 2023
  
  Lead: FCEC / WLGA and Local Authorities
  
  Status: Underway
  
  Update: Professor Elwen Evans completed work to review Section 19 reporting in Wales in summer 2023 in response to the Programme for Government measure: “Commission an independent review of the local government section 19 and Natural Resources Wales reports into extreme flooding in winter 2020-21 (sic) and act on its recommendations”. 
  
  The FCEC has established a Sub-Committee to deliver on this measure on Section 19 reports, with the intention that a revised target date for delivery will be agreed soon.
  
  
• Measure 22: The Welsh Government will work with Risk Management Authorities to develop a 5 to 10 year investment programme pipeline
  
  Lead: Welsh Government and all RMAs
  
  Status: Underway
  
  Update: Welsh Local Authorities are in the process of writing their Local Strategies which will contain funding and prioritisation options, including local action plans. Once reviewed, this detail will be part of the wider work in developing a programme to support future FCERM needs justified in accordance with the FCERM Business Case Guidance. In addition to NRW’s established Medium Term Plan, the NRW Flood Risk Management Plan will be used as a tool to support their needs for future investment outlining the communities at greatest risk. Going forward, WG will work collaboratively with all RMAs to consider future investment needs. Commencing in 2024, WG will use the published documents as a foundation to consider the next 5 to 10 year investment programme.
  
  
• Measure 23: NRW will work with Local Authorities and the Welsh Government to publish long-term investment requirements for FCERM, complementing FRAW, by end of 2021
  
  Lead: NRW
  
  Status: Underway - behind target
  
  Update: NRW completed the first phase of assessment of the long-term investment requirements for managing the flood defence asset base in Wales during 2022/23. The assessment and results focussed on capital work for assets that are contained in Flood Risk Assessment Wales (FRAW). The assessment used the latest understanding of flood risk in Wales on a national basis to model different scenarios.  It used the newly available FRAW, and in particular the new Economic Tool that was developed as part of the FRAW project. 
  
  A report summarising this assessment has been presented to Welsh Government colleagues as well as the Flood and Coastal Erosion Committee. NRW are currently in discussions with Welsh Government around how best to publish the results of the assessment. Following this, future phases will look at potential further work to develop a strong investment case around all aspects of Flood Risk Management.
  
  
• Measure 24: The Flood and Coastal Erosion Committee will explore opportunities to maximise partner contributions and investment in FCERM by 202
  
  Lead: FCEC
  
  Status: Complete - next steps needed
  
  Update: The Final Report 'Resources for FCERM in Wales' was approved by the Committee in May 2022 and submitted to the Minister. Resources for flood and coastal erosion risk management in Wales: final report | GOV.WALES
  
  The ministerial response to the report was presented for information to the FCE Committee the last meeting, and has been referred to the Resources Sub-Committee for detailed consideration. A report with recommendations on further actions to be taken in progressing the report’s proposals was presented to the Committee on 6 September.

 

Reporting on what is at risk of flooding in Wales and what has been done to manage the risk

The second part of this report provides a broader update against the National FCERM Strategy, and particularly the requirements from paragraph 335

• A description of the level of flood and coastal erosion risk in Wales;
• Details of major new FCERM schemes and projects;
• Reference to major flooding incidents; and
• Examples of good FCERM practice in Wales, including but not limited to, novel or innovative projects, the use of NFM, partnership working, information provision and community participation.

Flood and coastal erosion risk across Wales

Flooding

The undefended sum of properties at risk of flooding in Wales is 291,070. We use this undefended metric, which assumes that there are no defences in place even if they do exist, because defences can be overwhelmed or fail and therefore the properties are still at risk. Some properties may be at risk from more than one source and therefore removing any double or triple counting of properties at risk from multiple sources it’s currently estimated that 245,118 properties are at risk of flooding in Wales. It is estimated that of the properties at risk of flooding from rivers and the sea, approximately 73,000 benefit from flood defences.

Within the figures provided; High risk means that each year, this area has a chance of flooding of greater than 1 in 30 (3.3%). Medium means that each year, this area has a chance of flooding of between 1 in 100 (1%) and 1 in 30 (3.3%). Low means that each year, this area has a chance of flooding of between 1 in 1000 (0.1%) and 1 in 100 (1%).

The following tables show the split of properties by level of risk and source.

Table 5: The numbers of residential properties, non-residential properties, and services at risk of flooding in Wales from rivers.

Flood risk description	Residential properties at risk of flooding	Non-Residential properties at risk of flooding	Key Services at risk of flooding	Total at risk of flooding
Rivers High	21,958	2,670	508	25,136
Rivers Medium	14,936	2,020	326	17,282
Rivers Low	40,984	5,814	954	47,752
Rivers Total	77,878	10,504	1,788	90,170

Table 6: The numbers of residential properties, non-residential properties, and services at risk of flooding in Wales from the sea.

Flood risk description	Residential properties at risk of flooding	Non-Residential properties at risk of flooding	Key Services at risk of flooding	Total at risk of flooding
Sea High	42,229	4,424	808	47,461
Sea Medium	11,764	1,835	318	13,917
Sea Low	8,288	1,154	222	9,664
Sea Total	62,281	7,413	1,348	71,042

Table 7: The numbers of residential properties, non-residential properties, and services at risk of flooding in Wales from surface water and small watercourses.

Surface water and small watercourses	Residential properties at risk of flooding	Non-Residential properties at risk of flooding	Key Services at risk of flooding	Total at risk of flooding
High	31,192	3,347	740	35,279
Medium	16,425	1,892	344	18,661
Low	68,113	6,428	1,377	75,918
Total	115,730	11,667	2,461	129,858

Further information on the Flood Risk Assessment Wales products, including the data displayed spatially on maps is available on the NRW Website and available for download via DataMapWales.

Coastal erosion

The estimated number of properties in Wales predicted to be at risk from coastal erosion is between 1,262 and 4,053 over the next 100 years. The National Coastal Erosion Risk Map provides figures over the short, medium and long term, within two management scenarios and also within three different confidence bandings.

The Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) implemented scenario assumes the management policies set out in the SMPs are delivered, where as the No Active Intervention scenario assumes that no management actions are undertaken.

Percentile confidence' means how certain we are that erosion will reach a position by a point in time. Confidence bandings relate to the probabilistic uncertainty within the erosion modelling; 95 percentile confidence estimates 95% certainty that erosion will reach this position by a specified point in time. 5 percentile confidence estimates 5% certainty that erosion will reach this position by a specified point in time. The 50% estimate represents a mid-range estimate.

The following table shows the split of properties into these different categories, confidence bandings and timing epochs, based on National Coastal Erosion Risk Modelling (NCERM) undertaken in 2014.

Table 8: The numbers of properties at risk of coastal erosion in Wales.

Epoch	Confidence Banding	SMP Implemented Scenario	No Active Intervention Scenario
Short Term (2005-2025)	95%	1	62
Short Term (2005-2025)	50%	4	76
Short Term (2005-2025)	5%	6	135
Medium Term (2025-2055)	95%	80	368
Medium Term (2025-2055)	50%	108	780
Medium Term (2025-2055)	5%	144	1,214
Long Term (2055-2105)	95%	170	1,262
Long Term (2055-2105)	50%	293	2,594
Long Term (2055-2105)	5%	406	4,053

Further information on the National Coastal Erosion Risk Mapping, including the data displayed spatially on maps is available on the NRW Website and available for download via DataMapWales.

Details of major new FCERM schemes and projects

From April 2020 to March 2023, WG have invested over £115 million in Capital works. Based on information provided by Welsh Government, the more significant schemes that have been completed are listed in the table below.

Further information on Welsh Government’s investment in FCERM schemes as well as maps showing the composition of each programme year have been published on Welsh Government’s website.

Table 9: Major flood alleviation schemes across Wales from 2020 to 2023

Delivery Year	RMA	Scheme name	Homes protected	Businesses protected	Total Properties protected	Cost (m)
2020/21	Conwy	Chapel Street, Mochdre	94	4	98	0.7
2020/21	Isle of Anglesey	Nant y Felin, Pentraeth	27	0	27	0.7
2020/21	Bridgend	Sandy Bay	531	175	706	6.4
2020/21	Neath Port Talbot	Aberavon	0	7	7	3.7
2020/21	NRW	Crindau, Newport	549	118	667	14.5
2021/22	Conwy	Eldon Drive, Abergele	30	3	33	1.2
2021/22	Gwynedd	Rhostryfan	38	0	38	2
2021/22	Isle of Anglesey	Beaumaris Construction	89	18	107	3.2
2021/22	Neath Port Talbot	Varteg Road FAS	16	0	16	0.8
2021/22	Denbighshire	East Rhyl	472	0	472	27.9
2021/22	NRW	Cadoxton Outfall	12	180	92	0.8
2021/22	NRW	Ely Bridge, Cardiff	150	0	150	0.2
2022/23	Conwy	Llansannan	19	1	20	1.9
2022/23	Denbighshire	Prestatyn	2383	n/a	2383	26.1
2022/23	Denbighshire	Central Rhyl	755	n/a	755	66
2022/23	Gwynedd	Beach Road Felinheli	31	15	46	1.5
2022/23	Gwynedd	Aberdyfi	7	13	20	4
2022/23	Isle of Anglesey	Y Fali/Valley	27	0	27	0.6
2022/23	Neath Port Talbot	Varteg Road	16	0	16	0.8
2022/23	NRW	Llyn Tegid, Bala	800	0	800	7.5
2022/23	NRW	Afon Wydden, Llandudno Junction	150	0	150	1
2022/23	NRW	Cowbridge	150	0	150	1.8
2022/23	NRW	Llanfair TH	29	4	33	2
2022/23	Swansea	Mumbles	126	n/a	n/a	26.6
2023/24	Vale of Glamorgan	Coldbrook	17	0	17	9.6

It should be noted that in addition to the above schemes, WG capital funding is also utilised on a wide range of small scale schemes, maintenance and refurbishment works, which also benefit properties and sustain levels of existing flood protection around Wales.

Major flooding incidents

During the reporting period for this report October 2020 to March 2023, there have been a number of storms which have led to impacts experienced across Wales. If there is property flooding in a certain area, the RMA that manages that particular source of flooding may be required to produce a section 19 report on the flooding.

The period of this report is from October 2020 to March 2023. Prior to the publication of the new National FCERM Strategy in October 2020, Wales experienced some of the worst flooding in living memory in the February 2020 floods. This is outside of the reporting period but the resulting impacts from the flooding have influenced the flood risk management work of those affected over the period of this report. The following section therefore includes reference to the February 2020 flooding.

February 2020 floods

February 2020 saw some of the most devastating floods Wales has seen in a generation. The record rainfall and river flows triggered by Storms Ciara, Dennis and Jorge in February 2020 arrived following an exceptionally wet winter and led to the most severe and widespread flooding incidents seen in Wales since 1979. In total, there were reports of flooding to 3,130 properties across Wales. 

NRW undertook a significant review into the response to the storms, focussing specifically on flood incident management operations and looking at how current practices in the management of the NRW land estate could be modified to reduce the risk of flooding. The reviews were published in October 2020. NRW has undertaken significant work since the February 2020 floods in response to the actions included within the review. Key achievements include:

• The immediate inspection and maintenance of critical assets in proximity to properties and infrastructure across Wales to ensure they continue to operate effectively;
• Emergency repairs to several flood assets at locations including Abergele, Llanrwst, upstream and within Llanfair Talhaiarn, Ponthir, Usk town and on the Afon Elwy upstream of St Asaph.
• Improvements to website information and resilience;
• Improvements to incident procedures, creation of new rotas and improvements to staff training.

Local Authorities have also undertaken significant work since the February 2020 floods to undertake post event reviews in the form of section 19 reports. 13 Local Authorities produced Section 19 reports following the February 2020 flooding.

Table 10: Section 19 reports produced by Local Authorities as a result of the February 2020 floods

Local Authority	Number of Section 19 reports
Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council	1
Conwy County Borough Council	25
Caerphilly County Borough Council	4
Denbighshire County Council	1
Gwynedd Council	9
Isle of Anglesey County Council	7
Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council	1
Monmouthshire County Council	9
Neath-Port talbot Council	2
Powys County Council	8
Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council	19
City and County of Swansea	2
Vale of Glamorgan Council	1

Storm Alex, 3 October 2020

Storm Alex marked the start of the autumn / winter storm season across Wales in 2020/21. 30 to 50mm of rain fell widely across Wales and led to flood alerts and warnings to be issued for main rivers. The heavy rainfall in North Wales led to a breach in defences in Abergwyngregyn where a small number of properties experienced flooding.

Storm Aiden, 31 October 2020

Storm Aiden caused widespread heavy rainfall across Wales resulting in widespread travel disruption, particularly in North Wales where a number of roads were closed or badly flooded.

Unnamed storm, 1 November 2020

Ex-hurricane Zeta caused widespread disruption from high winds and heavy rainfall across North Wales and localised property flooding in Conwy County Borough Council.

Section 19 reports produced by: Conwy County Borough Council (4)

Unnamed storm, 18 December 2020

40 to 60mm of rainfall fell widely across South Wales with up to 80 to 100mm in localised areas. 98mm of rain fell at Llyn-y-Fan Blaenau in a 24 hour period which is roughly half the monthly average for December in one day. The heavy rainfall during a relatively short duration (9 to 12 hours) resulted in impacts experienced on the ground with flooded roads, isolated property flooding and concerns around the stability of a coal tip above Wattstown in the Rhondda Valley.

Unnamed storm, 23 December 2020

Localised river flooding affected numerous locations across Wales on the 23^rd December after 50 to 70mm of rainfall fell, with particularly heavy rainfall over lower-lying catchments along the South Wales coastline. Impacts were experienced in Newport, Monmouthshire, Torfaen, Cardiff and Anglesey, some in communities which rarely experience flooding. The worst affected location was Dinas Powys, Vale of Glamorgan where approximately 70 properties experienced internal flooding from the rivers Cadoxton and East Brook.

Section 19 reports produced by: Monmouthshire County Council (1), Newport City Council (1), Vale of Glamorgan Council (4) and Isle of Anglesey County Council (1).

Storm Christoph, 20 January 2021

Storm Christoph bought significant rain to all parts of Wales, with the worst impacts affecting North Wales where it recorded one of the wettest 3-day periods on record, with weather fronts bringing persistent rain to these parts. Over a 72 hour period, 198mm of rainfall was recorded at the Cwm Dyli rain gauge in the Glaslyn catchment (North Wales). The significant rainfall and river flooding led to the evacuation of residents in Bangor on Dee, the collapse of a bridge over the river Clywd and property flooding in North Wales and Southwest Wales.

Section 19 reports produced by: Carmarthenshire County Council (1), Conwy County Borough Council (3), Denbighshire County Borough Council (1), Flintshire County Council (1), Gwynedd Council (2), Isle of Anglesey County Council (27) and Neath Port Talbot Council (1).

Unnamed storm, 19 and 20 February 2021

Widespread and heavy rainfall led to multiple flood warnings and flood alerts issued across Wales. Carmarthenshire saw 127.6mm of rain across the period, which compares to an average rainfall of 98mm in South Wales for the whole of February. Property flooding was experienced in Crickhowell and Carmarthen, many of which were also affected by flooding from Storm Dennis in early 2020. An evacuation was ordered in Newcastle Emlyn over concerns of the risk of flooding.

Unnamed storm, 19 October 2021

Heavy rain, thunderstorms and high winds caused disruption across Wales leading to road closures and property flooding.

Section 19 reports produced by: Carmarthenshire County Council (1), Conwy County Borough Council (2), Gwynedd Council (1) and Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council (1).

Storm Arwen 26 and 27 November 2021

Storm Arwen brought severe winds across the UK on the 26 and 27 of November 2021, with the Met Office issuing a red warning for wind. Winds reached 69mph in some parts of the UK and meant that this storm was one of the most powerful and damaging winter storms of the last decade with thousands of homes across the UK being left without power. The strong winds brought reports of structural damage to buildings and the National Trust reported the loss of many mature trees, including 50 trees at Bodnant Gardens, Conwy.

Storm Barra, 7 and 8 December 2021

Storm Barra brought strong winds and heavy rain across the UK from the 7th to 8th of December 2021. Winds were recorded at 69 to 81mph in exposed coastal locations, with the highest gust of 86mph at Aberdaron, Gwynedd. Large waves battered exposed coastlines, with notable damage to Aberystwyth promenade.

Storms Dudley, Eunice and Franklin, 16 to 21 February 2022

Three named storms affected the UK within the space of a week, and two rare red warnings for wind were issued by the Met Office for storm Eunice, with those winds gusting over 81mph in exposed coastal locations. These storms formed part of a turbulent spell of wet and windy weather for the UK associated with a powerful jet stream.

For the first time, the whole of the Welsh Coastline was highlighted as being at risk of flooding. Fortunately, severe coastal flooding was avoided as defences held, and the peak of the storm surge narrowly missed the peak of the high tide, in some cases by less than 90 minutes.

The strong winds from Storm Franklin hampered clean-up operations and the persistent heavy rain from the successive storms, brought significant flooding to parts of Mid Wales with reports of around 50 properties flooded. New record river levels were recorded on the River Severn at Newtown, Llanidloes and Munlyn, on the River Teme at Dutlas and Knighton and on the River Vyrnwy at Meifod. Exceptionally high river levels were also recorded on the Upper Wye.

Storms Dudley, Franklin and Eunice brought significant impacts as a result of strong winds, including the closure of schools and businesses across Wales. There was major transport disruption, including cancelled trains and fallen trees causing road blockages. Both Severn bridges were closed for the first time in their history and there were widespread reports of structural damage to properties. Large waves together with a storm surge on top of high spring tides battered coastlines and the Severn Estuary.

November 2022

November 2022 was a month of frequent periods of strong winds and heavy rain across Wales. Widespread flood alerts and flood warnings were issued on multiple occasions throughout the month with surface water flooding hitting Neath, Saundersfoot and Powys.

Section 19 reports produced by: Powys County Council

January 2023

January was a very unsettled month with multiple periods of unsettled weather. The period from 10 to 15 January was notably bad with river levels across Wales high following a prolonged period of wet weather with many areas experiencing rainfall that was well above the long term monthly average. Lake Vyrnwy was one such location which experienced 289.4mm of rain in the period from January 1 to 15 compared to the long-term monthly average for January of 193mm. Widespread infrastructure impacts were noted with road closures in Cardiff, Newport, Monmouth, Crickhowell and Abergavenny yet there were minimal reports of flooded properties due to the effectiveness of defences.

Examples of good FCERM practice in Wales

The following section presents a range of projects and case studies delivered in this reporting period, recognised as good practice for innovation, the use of natural flood management techniques, partnership working, information provision or community participation.

Figure 3: A map providing an overview of the examples provided.

Novel or innovative projects

Mill Lane flood prevention project

Organisation: Isle of Anglesey County Council

Project Location: Mill Lane, Beaumaris, Anglesey

Key partners: Waterco, Alun Griffiths

Main funding stream: Welsh Government FCERM programme

Source: Ordinary watercourse

Project description: Mill Lane flood prevention project

The residents of Mill Lane in Beaumaris, Anglesey experienced a number of flood events between 2004 and 2017 from the Nant Meigan. A flood scheme was implemented but flooding still occurred from a culvert trash screen becoming blocked. Due to the nature of the catchment, lots of woody debris would build up on the existing trash screen that was unsafe for operatives to remove at times of high flow. The local residents asked for a long term solution to this problem.

Isle of Anglesey County Council worked with Waterco and Alun Griffiths contractors to come up with a solution that would reduce the risk of manually cleaning debris from the trash screen grill. They found a supplier who provided an automated trash screen that in times of high flows would automatically operate to remove debris built up on the trash screen. The new automated screen was located upstream of the existing trash screen to make it more resilient, easier to maintain and safer.

Figure 4: Mill Lane culvert automatic grill

Key outcomes: The screen has reduced the risk of flooding to over 10 properties and makes screen maintenance safer for the operatives responsible for keeping it clear.

Lessons learnt: As this screen is innovative there have been areas of very worthwhile learning. Whilst the mechanical aspect of the screen is very effective, a specific area of learning has been in the reliability of the level sensors for automated operation as these have needed to be changed and improved.

CoastSNAP – Citizen Science Project

Organisation: Wales Coastal Monitoring Centre

Project Location: 19 CoastSNAP locations around the Wales coast

Key partners: Wales Coastal Path, NRW

Main funding stream: Wales Coastal Path and WCMC

Source: Sea flooding and coastal erosion

Project description: CoastSNAP – Citizen Science Project

The Wales Coastal Monitoring Centre has initiated a project to collect data from the photos that people take at the coast around Wales that will help scientist to track how the coast is changing over time due to processes such as storms, rising sea levels, human activities and other factors. The initiative encourages the public to take part by snapping smartphone photos at 19 designated photography points along the Wales Coast Path — from Whitmore Bay in Barry, Llandudno Promenade in north Wales to Tenby Harbour in Pembrokeshire.

A phone cradle has been installed in each of the 19 locations to ensure that repeat photos are taken at the same location. Each cradle has a bespoke QR code which enables participants to submit their images quickly and easily to the Wales Coastal Monitoring Centre where images are then analysed for signs of coastal change.

The images that have been collected so far are available here.

Figure 5: CoastSNAP monitoring cradle at North Beach, Tenby

Key outcomes: The general public is able to participate by collecting the data that enables coastal change to be effectively monitored.

Ely bridge tree catcher project

Organisation: Natural Resources Wales

Project Location: Ely Bridge, Cardiff

Key partners: Knight’s Brown Construction

Main funding stream: Welsh Government FCERM programme

Source: Main river

Project description: Ely bridge tree catcher project

The Cowbridge Road West road bridge spans the river Ely in Cardiff, an area that has experienced significant flooding in the past. Detailed catchment modelling indicated that flood risk in the area increases significantly when the bridge is partially blocked with debris, particularly by trees. There is no safe way for NRW operatives to remove large blockages, especially during high flows.

If the bridge is kept clear from blockages, more water is able to pass underneath and downstream which reduces the risk of flooding to the community. In order to keep the bridge free from blockages, NRW has installed a tree catcher upstream to catch trees and other large debris before they reach the bridge, allowing the river water to continue flowing underneath. The tree catcher consists of seven poles in a staggered arrangement across the river, spaced widely to target large debris that would otherwise be trapped at the bridge. NRW operatives are then able to remove the debris from the tree catcher once it is safe to do so.

Figure 6: Ely bridge tree catcher

Key outcomes: The tree catcher has reduced the risk of flooding to 490 properties in the Ely and Fairwater areas of Cardiff.

Lessons learnt: Communication about the scheme with the local residents was hampered by the restrictions in place due to Covid-19. More should have been done to make the residents aware of the project and its purpose.

Tunnelling for Glynneath Flood Alleviation scheme

Organisation: Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council

Project Location: Glynneath Flood Alleviation scheme

Key partners: Atkins Ltd, Knights Brown, HB Tunnelling, Mainmark

Main funding stream: Welsh Government FCERM programme

Source: Ordinary watercourse

Project description: Tunnelling for Glynneath Flood Alleviation scheme

Properties on Rock Street and Robert Street Glynneath have been experiencing flooding due to insufficient surface water drainage capacity. As a result, a flood alleviation scheme was planned to alleviate the risk of flooding from the Gelliceibryn and Nant y Gwyddyl watercourses.

The planned flood alleviation scheme involved the installation of a new overflow culvert to discharge excess surface water into the river Neath. It was proposed that the new overflow culvert would be installed using a tunnel boring machine but when site investigations began, it was found that the ground was unsuitable to install the culvert using just the machine. This was made even more challenging by the location; under a busy high street and near to residential buildings.

This required project staff to think innovatively about how they could install the culvert. The best solution was for a combination of machine based and hand excavated tunnelling. 60m of culvert tunnelling works were successfully completed under the main road and footpath with no settlement to the road or footpath, no movement to the adjacent properties or structures and with minimal disruption.

Key outcomes: The Glynneath flood alleviation scheme removed over 250 buildings from the risk of flooding.

Lessons learnt: During the design phase, extensive ground investigation work was undertaken. However it was found that more boreholes were required along the length to be tunnelled to get an accurate understanding of ground conditions.

 

The use of NFM

Brynau and Preswylfa Natural Flood Management (NFM) Scheme

Organisation: Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council

Project Location: Brynau and Preswylfa NFM Scheme

The Brynau and Preswylfa sites are situated within the Gnoll catchment, Neath, Neath Port Talbot (NPT)

Key partners: Woodland Trust, NPT Gnoll Country Park, NPT Biodiversity

Main funding stream: Welsh Government NFM funding programme

Source: Ordinary watercourse

Project description: Brynau and Preswylfa Natural Flood Management (NFM) Scheme

The aim of the Brynau and Preswylfa NFM Scheme was to reduce flood risk from three watercourses; the Gnoll Brook, Gnoll Park Brook and Llantwit Brook to the community of Neath.

During periods of heavy rainfall, three culverts upstream of the community overflow resulting in flooding. The steep topography, heavy sediment and debris deposition in the catchment upstream exacerbates the problem leading to rapid flooding.

The project objective was to use Natural Flood Management to store and slow the flow of water to relieve pressure on the three culverts downstream. This was done across two sites, Preswylfa Dingle (that flows into the Gnoll Brook) and Brynau farm.

Preswylfa Dingle
In channel woody diverters were placed in the Preswylfa Dingle to slow the passage of water during high flows and allow water to pass during low flows.

Brynau farm
NFM interventions were installed to complement the recently planted trees from the Woodland Trust that were funded by the Welsh Government Woodland Creation scheme. In-channel woody diverters, bunds and a temporary storage pond were installed to slow the flow of water downstream in high rainfall events.

Figure 7: (1) and (2) in-channel woody deflectors.

Key outcomes: The use and implementation of NFM has improved water flow management, created natural wetland habitats and helped to reduce the risk of flooding to downstream communities.

Lessons learnt: The importance of understanding the catchment, particularly the landscape, hydrology and drainage.

The importance of working with and engaging stakeholders to understand local issues and identify opportunities for the implementation of NFM measures.

Rethinking farming – Ffermwyr yr Wnion

Organisation: Gwynedd Council

Project Location: Rhydymain, Gwynedd

Key partners: Snowdonia National Park Authority (SNPA)

Main funding stream: Welsh Government NFM funding programme

Source: Surface water

Project description: Rethinking farming – Ffermwyr yr Wnion

Gwynedd Council and Snowdonia National Park Authority (SNPA) have worked together with a group of agricultural landowners in the Wnion catchment to implement NFM measures to help hold back the water in the upper parts of the catchment. Collectively the NFM measures help to slow down surface water which has negatively affected agricultural practices in the past and improved the uplands capacity to store water.

A key element of the project’s success was the collaborative working between the SNPA and a group of agricultural landowners within the Wnion catchment. All NFM measures were completed on 11 farms from the group.

The NFM measures implemented include planting of hedges and trees, blocking of drainage ditches and the creation of new ponds.

This trial project demonstrated that collaborative working between public organisations and the agricultural sector can create real life benefits for agricultural land, the environment and people living downstream.

Key outcomes: The implemented measures include:

• Creation of 7km of hedgerow
• Planting of over 48,000 trees
• Creation of 11 new ponds
• Blocking 3.5km of drainage ditches

Lessons learnt: The initial works have provided the foundations for future larger projects in the catchment.

Nature Networks Resilient Teme

Organisation: Severn Rivers Trust

Project Location: Upper Teme (Wales only)

Key partners: Powys County Council, Natural Resources Wales

Main funding stream: Welsh Government NFM funding programme

Source: Ordinary watercourse

Project description: Nature Networks Resilient Teme

Severn Rivers Trust, Powys County Council and Natural Resources Wales have worked together with local landowners to implement NFM and natural habitat enhancement in the Welsh part of the Upper Teme catchment. The project aim was to try and help reduce flooding to homes and businesses at risk of flooding from tributaries of the river Teme along with reducing debris deposited at times of high flow.

The project consists of planting hedges and woodland, creation of ponds and the installation of leaky barriers. Together the measures have helped to slow the flow of water through the catchment and provide benefits for nature and wildlife.

A gradual positive impact has been noted in response to flood events on the Upper Teme with reduced floodwater and debris to some properties.

Figure 8: Flood storage pond created in the Upper Teme

Key outcomes: As of March 2023, the project has delivered:

• Creation of 322 leaky barriers;
• Planting of 3.0 hectares of cross-slope woodland;
• Planting of 3.3km of cross–slope hedges (double fenced);
• Creation of 17 scrapes, bunds and ponds.

Lessons learnt: The formation of strong relationships and trust with landowners has been a key aspect to the success of this project and the relationships established through the project continue to grow.

Park Lane Attenuation Pond, Aberdare

Organisation: Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council

Project Location: Park Lane, Aberdare

Main funding stream: Welsh Government FCERM programme

Source: Ordinary watercourse

Project description: Park Lane Attenuation Pond, Aberdare

Following repeat flooding, a solution was needed for flooding in the Park Lane area of Aberdare. When considering potential solutions, it was decided that a flood attenuation pond was the most suitable option because it would not only reduce the risk of flooding but also benefit the future wellbeing of the community too.

The upper catchment attenuation wetland at Park Lane was created through the de-culverting of an ordinary watercourse culvert. It is designed to facilitate a 50% reduction in peak flow to the downstream watercourse. It also delivers environmental improvements to facilitate the development of a diverse ecological wetland with associated amenity use for the local community.

Figure 9: Park Lane attenuation pond, Aberdare, post construction

Key outcomes: The Park Lane flood attenuation pond alleviates the risk of flooding to approximately 122 properties which in turn will improve the mental well-being and health of the local community.

The flood attenuation pond enhances the existing ecology by reintroducing a natural biodiverse environment for local fauna and flora. The works further provide social resilience as they provide enhanced amenity use within the wetland area, providing interaction with the natural environment.

Partnership working

Flood mitigation at Margaret Street, Ammanford – Natural Flood Management

Organisation: Carmarthenshire County Council

Project Location: Margaret Street, Ammanford

Main funding stream: Welsh Government FCERM programme

Source: Ordinary watercourse

Project description: Flood mitigation at Margaret Street, Ammanford – Natural Flood Management

This project sought to alleviate the local impacts of flooding in Ammanford by implementing NFM techniques along 2 unnamed ordinary watercourses. Both watercourses flow through Ysgol Dyffryn Amman and have caused flooding issues in the past.

The scheme involved the creation of 13 leaky dams and 5 flood storage areas. As part of the scheme, Carmarthen County Council engaged with the school including providing lessons on NFM and including the new scheme as part of the year 8 Geography syllabus.

Figure 10: Image shows some of the leaky dams that were built as part of the scheme.

In some images, the construction of the storage areas can be seen in the background.

Key outcomes: The pupils at the school will contribute to the ongoing monitoring of the leaky dams and storage ponds on the school premises by taking regular photographs. The school are also planning to design other schemes of work in relation to this scheme in future, including biodiversity studies in Science and A-level Geography coursework.

Improvements in biodiversity have already been observed within the upper ponds, with photographic evidence and local testimonies of tadpoles, frogs and breeding herons.

The scheme has not yet been tested by a large storm event.

Lessons learnt: Thorough landowner engagement is essential at all stages of a scheme’s development.
Engagement with all potential stakeholders, regardless of whether they are the direct landowner, as early as possible – including the teachers within the school in this instance – is essential to achieving the best outcomes when it comes to outreach and amplifying additional benefits.

Pentre Flood Alleviation Scheme

Organisation: Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council (RCTCBC)

Project Location: Pentre Flood Alleviation Scheme

Key partners: NRW, DCWW

Main funding stream: Welsh Government FCERM programme

Source: Ordinary watercourse

Project description: Pentre Flood Alleviation Scheme

This scheme aims to develop and implement a program of sustainable long-term flood alleviation measures to reduce flood risk to 400 properties at risk of flooding from the four ordinary watercourses within the community area.

RCTCBC undertook extensive screening and analysis of various options, in collaboration with NRW and DCWW, to address the overall flood risk in Pentre.

A preferred option has been identified and is currently out for consultation with the public. The preferred option takes forward a number of options, including NFM interventions in the upper catchment, SuDS in the lower catchment as well as more traditional methods including the development of a new culvert route and flow diversion.

The development of the Pentre FAS and the preferred option were presented to the public during a 2-day consultation event, with colleagues from NRW in attendance to discuss their Lower Rhondda Forest Management Plan.

Key outcomes: By working in partnership, the local residents will benefit from a flood alleviation scheme that addresses all sources of flood risk in the community.

Lessons Learnt: Early engagement with the public has helped to encourage wider interest in the development of the project and its preferred option.

Upgrade works in Mountain Ash and Pentre

Organisation: Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council (RCTCBC)

Project Location: Victor Street and Kingcraft Street, Mountain Ash
Nant y Pentre Inlet, Pentre

Key partners: NRW

Main funding stream: Welsh Government FCERM programme

Source: Ordinary watercourse 

Project description: RCTCBC led on the upgrade works to the Victor Street inlet and the Kingcraft Street Inlet (both Mountain Ash) and the Nant y Pentre inlet (Pentre) following damage caused during Storm Dennis. This work was developed in partnership with NRW as the asset owner.

For the Victor Street and Kingcraft Street inlets, drainage surveys and network mapping were completed, in addition to structural relining works within the ordinary watercourse culvert network to manage the risk of structural failure.

For the Nant y Pentre inlet, the project facilitated the construction of an overflow structure and over-land flow control route to manage ordinary watercourse flooding.

Figure 11: Pentre road inlet. Post storm Dennis and pre construction

Figure 12: Pentre road inlet post construction

Key outcomes: This work reduced the risk of blockages to the drainage network caused by debris. The upgraded standard of protection across the three improved inlets reduces the risk of flooding downstream to approximately 330 residential properties.

Information provision

Llyn Tegid Reservoir safety improvements – communicating with the community

Organisation: Natural Resources Wales

Project Location: Bala Lake

Main funding stream: Welsh Government FCERM programme

Source: Reservoir

Project description: Llyn Tegid Reservoir safety improvements – communicating with the community

Under the Reservoir Act 1975, NRW needed to undertake major works to the banks of Llyn Tegid to ensure it remained safe in the long term. The project involved the strengthening of the embankments and replacing the entire length of lakeshore rock protection to protect the town of Bala from flooding, now and into the future.

The project was likely to impact upon the local public footpaths, amenities and wildlife in one of the busiest tourist hotspots in north Wales. Therefore, it was important that the local community understood the project. Effective and regular engagement with the community was undertaken from the early project stages through to completion of construction. Examples of this engagement include:

• Extensive consultation during the appraisal and design phases;
• Pre-application meetings held at the local leisure centre;
• Development of an accessible video published to NRWs website, explaining the scheme to the community and to visitors;
• Bilingual door knocking before the scheme commenced;
• Regular letter drops and monthly update emails to local residents, emailed and laminated around the site with contact details;
• Meetings with parish and local councillors who kept businesses informed of progress.

Figure 13: Example of onsite signage explaining the works to local stakeholders

Key outcomes: The community fully understood the scheme and was supportive of the work.

Lessons learnt: Maintaining a regular accepted programme was key to informing updates and explaining to the public what was happening in context of ‘what happened last month, what’s happening this month, and what’s happening next month’. This significantly reduced queries being received, minimised any risk of complaints, and helped to build trust with all parties involved.

Flood Risk Assessment Wales (FRAW)

Organisation: Natural Resources Wales

Project Location: Wales

Main funding stream: Welsh Government FCERM programme

Source: Main river and the sea

Project description: Flood Risk Assessment Wales (FRAW)

The new national risk assessment for flooding from rivers, the sea, surface water and small watercourses to categorise locations into high, medium and low areas of risk. FRAW replaced or updated several key flood data sets and provided a replacement to the previous National Flood Risk Assessment (NaFRA) and associated Risk of Flooding from Rivers and the Sea (RoFRS) maps. This data and information is used by NRW, Welsh Government, other risk management authorities, insurance companies and the public to better understand the risk of flooding across Wales.

Figure 14: Is a screenshot from the FRAW map. The map shows the areas that are at what level of risk from flooding from rivers, the sea and surface water in Cardiff.

Key outcomes: New flood risk map products available to all through the NRW website with the associated data also available on Welsh Government's DataMapWales website. The maps show where is at what level of risk in Wales and also displays extra information, such as flood defence locations and the local benefits they bring.

Updated National Receptor Database Property Points dataset that will provide key information on every property in Wales to enable the economic consequences of flooding to be quantitively assessed.

Introduction of new digital services for flood data

Organisation: Natural Resources Wales

Project Location: Wales

Main funding stream: Welsh Government FCERM programme

Source: Main rivers and the sea

Project description: Introduction of new digital services for flood data

Following feedback from customers, NRW has introduced new and improved digital services to provide comprehensive flood risk and flood warning information to households, businesses and communities in Wales.

This includes:

• Improvements to the daily flood risk forecast for 5 days which provides clearer information, a summary of the flood risk for Wales and clearer information on actions to take for each level of flood risk.
• A new Flood Warnings and Alerts service which includes a search function (e.g. by postcode), improves the information displayed, provides interactive map features and detailed information for each Flood Warning and Flood Alert area.
• A new River Levels, Rainfall and Sea Data service that provides live data from over 400 monitoring stations across Wales. Improvements include offering rainfall and sea data for the first time, greater functionality, more detailed maps, improved mobile device compatibility, and a better user experience.

Key outcomes: More detailed information is available for customers and partners to help better understand flood risk and what actions can be taken.

Community participation

Climate change and coastal education programme

Organisation: Wales Coastal Monitoring Centre

Project Location: Vale of Glamorgan and Swansea

Key partners: Barry Island Primary School (BIPS)

Main funding stream: BIPS and WCMC time in kind

Source: Sea flooding and coastal erosion

Project description: Climate change and coastal education programme

Barry Island Primary School and the Wales Coastal Monitoring Centre have worked together with teachers and international experts to develop an education programme to help students aged 9 to 11 gain the skill set they will need to help mitigate the impacts of a changing climate. The programme consists of 12 lessons for the Welsh Curriculum covering topics such as coastal management, weather and mapping risk for the coast. The purpose of each lesson is to make the impacts of climate change less abstract and more accessible, to help prepare the future generation to stand up for the planet they will inherit.

Figure 15: Example of school work produced by a pupil on the climate change and coastal education programme

Key outcomes: The lessons were delivered to around 800 primary school children and have helped to remove anxiety around climate change.

Fairbourne Health Impact Assessment

Organisation: Cyngor Gwynedd (YGC)

Project Location: Fairbourne

Key partners: Savills, Public Health Wales

Main funding stream: Welsh Government FCERM programme

Source: Sea flooding and coastal erosion

Project description: Fairbourne Health Impact Assessment

Fairbourne Moving Forward is a project board set up to consider and address the complex flooding and climate change issues facing the Fairbourne community over the next 40 years. It aims to work with the community to help manage the process of change.

In order to get views and input from the community, Cyngor Gwynedd, on behalf of the Fairbourne Moving Forward Project Board, commissioned a Health Impact Assessment (HIA). The core objective of the HIA was two-fold; to investigate the health and wellbeing impacts of living with climate change in Fairbourne today, and explore community led suggestions and solutions to aid adaptation, build resilience and improve health.
The engagement campaign comprised online and hardcopy questionnaires, distributed to every household; a three day drop in session event; key community representative interviews, and supplementary interviews for those interested in engaging, but unable to attend in person.

Key themes were raised when exploring issues and solutions. Some lend well to informing statutory bodies’ strategic investment, while others would be best owned and delivered through community initiatives. Some are better captured through institutional changes.

Key suggestions included:

• Re-provision of the sea ramp to allow for easier access to the lower beach.
• Better understanding of the likelihood of when sea level rises would be untenable, from infrequent events (1 in 10-year flood events), enabling them to plan out and rationalise their own decisions over the next 75 years.
• A clear, robust remodelling statement was recommended to improve transparency, underpin investment or abandonment of sea defences, and enable residents’ sufficient information to make decisions.
• Flood prevention and environmental maintenance as well as testing the viability of alternative options.

Key outcomes: The response rate equated to 21% of all households, and approximately 15% of the entire resident population of Fairbourne, which represented good engagement by the community.

The HIA has allowed the community to develop greater ownership, influence and be more solution focussed on climate adaptation and resilience which helps to reduce anxiety.

Lessons learnt: The aim of this project was to help give control about the future to the community of Fairbourne and help to reduce anxiety and invoke action. Although the HIA was specific to the conditions of Fairbourne, the learning and evidence are relevant to other communities in Wales and the UK, facing similar climate change-related challenges.

Community engagement – Llanybydder and Llandysul/Pont Tyweli

Organisation: Carmarthenshire County Council

Project Location: Llanybydder and Llandysul/Pont-Tyweli

Key partners: Ceredigion County Council, Natural Resources Wales

Main funding stream: Welsh Government FCERM programme

Source: Main river and ordinary watercourse

Project description: Community engagement – Llanybydder and Llandysul/Pont Tyweli

The communities of Llanybydder and Llandysul/Pont-Tyweli are subject to flooding from multiple sources including from main river and span the boundary between Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. In order to mitigate the impacts of flooding to the communities, Carmarthenshire County Council are leading a project to reduce the risk of flooding in partnership with Ceredigion County Council and Natural Resources Wales.

A partnership approach has been taken to engagement with the local community at all opportunities. A public consultation event was held in the Summer 2022, hosted and attended by all involved parties, where residents were encouraged to share their experiences, provide additional information, and comment on the outline proposals for the scheme. Such options included the creation of raised flood barriers, flood storage areas, upstream natural flood management, the provision of a flood relief channel, and property level protection measures.

Figure 16: Photo taken of the community engagement stakeholder event at Llandysul/Pont-Tyweli.

Key outcomes: The public consultation event was well attended, and the information received invaluable to finalising the scheme options.

Lessons learnt: Communication with residents at all stages is key to the success of a project. Communities are a valuable source of information. The experiences of residents were incredibly helpful in the calibration of modelling with real, lived experiences. Honest communication is also key when managing the expectations of residents, particularly regarding timescales and the extent of mitigation. A community’s understanding of this is especially vital when suggesting property level protection as an option.

Community engagement - Newgale Coastal Adaptation Scheme

Organisation: Pembrokeshire County Council

Project Location: Newgale, Pembrokeshire

Key partners: Atkins, Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum

Main funding stream: WG Resilient Road Fund (RRF)

Source: Sea flooding and coastal erosion

Project description: Community engagement - Newgale Coastal Adaptation Scheme

Newgale is a community facing the challenge of a changing coastline. Pembrokeshire County Council is leading a coastal adaptation project and as part of this worked with the local community to help them influence decisions about what the coastal adaptation at Newgale might look like. Key to the success of the project was effective engagement with the community. This was done through ‘Task and Finish Groups’ (TFGs) which provided an innovative way for community involvement by carrying out a wide range of activities with key stakeholders at an early stage to explore issues and opportunities, expand the project team knowledge and provide input that informs the Project design.

The membership of the TFGs was opened to the public through an open call for applicants which was widely publicised. Over 60 people applied to join and TFGs were formed into six separate topic groups linked to different aspects of the project which cover:

• Active Travel and Coast Path
• Infrastructure
• Natural Environment
• Beach Safety and User Access
• Replacement Road
• Business Resilience

This type of engagement is important to ensure positive relationships with stakeholders and ensure that people feel empowered to discuss and shape the project. The TFGs were time limited (all meetings held over a 5 month period), limited in number (three sessions per topic group) and issue focused which helped with their success. By the end of the three sessions, the project elements were then finalised and the scope for each element was detailed.

Key outcomes: Through taking this approach to community engagement, it provided the project team with the opportunity to convey difficult / complex messages to the local community, key stakeholders and the public.

It proved to be a very valuable exercise as there were several aspects of the project that were changed as a result of the additional understanding and knowledge built up from the TFGs.

Lessons learnt: There is no funding specifically for removal of infrastructure or to support coastal adaptation, nor does the project fit neatly into any WG funding stream which has made the project challenging.

Community volunteer network events

Organisation: Natural Resources Wales

Project Location: Wales

Main funding stream: Welsh Government FCERM programme

Source: Main river and sea flooding

Project description: Community volunteer network events

NRW held two network events in Llandudno and Newport in October 2022 to enable the Community Flood Volunteer network to reconnect face to face, following the pandemic. 15 communities were represented, with 23 community members attending, along with 23 Partners from other organisations with a role to play in flooding.

The events aimed to increase understanding of flood resilience (including property flood resilience), increase understanding of roles and responsibilities of organisations that prepare for and respond to flooding and to increase networking opportunities for everyone attending. Partners also contributed with presentations, including South Wales Search and Rescue, North Wales Local Resilience Forum, and the National Flood Forum.

Figure 17: National Flood Forum presenting to Community flood volunteers and Professional Partners

Key outcomes: Feedback obtained from the events was positive, with 97% of respondents saying that their understanding of the roles and responsibilities of other organisations had increased, and of all attendees completing an evaluation form, 90% rated the networking opportunities as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’.

Lessons learnt: Attendees would like to see more of the public and partners represented and see value in talking to others about flood risk.

NRW is encouraged that people continue to value these events and want to participate and learn more to help themselves and others in their community.

Community engagement – Crindau flood risk management scheme

Organisation: Natural Resources Wales

Project Location: Crindau, Newport, South Wales

Main funding stream: Welsh Government FCERM programme

Source: Sea flooding

Project description: Community engagement – Crindau flood risk management scheme

Crindau flood risk management scheme is the largest capital flood risk project undertaken by NRW to date. Along with reducing the risk of flooding to over 600 properties, considerable enhancements were made to the local areas to improve the health and wellbeing of the local community. This was made possible through close working and engagement with the local community including direct engagement with several prominent community members, the local police, Newport City Council and members of the wider community whilst designing the scheme. This close engagement helped members of the project team to really understand the community and make real improvements to the area including:

• Additional play park railings to keep young children away from the river Usk;
• Improvements to cycle routes;
• Improvements to unsafe areas such as the removal of old garages, disused toilet block and improving the poorly lit area under the fly over;
• Removal of litter and fly tipped waste;
• Demolition of derelict and unsafe buildings;
• Creation of an amenity area containing informal play features for the local community.
  
  

Figure 18: The amenity area created as part of Crindau flood risk management scheme which was designed to be robust and low maintenance with embedded play markings and boulders providing informal play features.

Key outcomes: An improved local area around Crindau for the local community.

Lessons learnt: Collaboration and considered engagement with the local community enabled many wider benefits to be realised as part of the project and allowed some significant project risks to be managed.

Natural Resources Wales Annual Reports

To provide more detail and regular reporting, in regard to the progress being made in managing flood risk in Wales, Natural Resources Wales have produced a series of annual reports over the last three years to supplement the information supplied in this overarching Section 18 Report.

The information included helps to demonstrate the wider delivery of Welsh Governments National Strategy and its Objectives, they also provide more in depth detail into some of the key projects and successes delivered within this reporting period.

These reports cover the financial year period from April to March and can be accessed using the following links.

Flood risk management annual report 2020/21

Flood risk management annual report 2021/22

Flood risk management annual report 2022/23