Natural Flood Management
Introduction
The Calder Valley is renowned for its flooding.
Upland flooding
Slow the flow to valley bottom.
Focus on Implementation and Maintenance
Ethics
Earth Care – Use sustainable materials, sourced on site, working with sensitive habitats, minimal disruption.
People Care – Using local organisations, keeping money in local economy
Future Care – Opening as a demonstration site, involving students, sharing case study, Regenerative and sustainable practices
Principles used to guide design
Design Framework – GoSADIM
Goal, Survey, Analysis, Decision, Implementation, Maintenance
Client
Myself – a personal project
Dates
November 2022 –
Tools Used
Resources Used
- Benjamin Fenton – Calderdale Council, Flood Risk Management Team
- The Permaculture Earthworks Handbook – Douglas Barnes
- https://www.gov.uk/countryside-stewardship-grants/rp32-small-leaky-woody-dams
- https://www.gov.uk/countryside-stewardship-grants/earth-banks-and-soil-bunds-rp9
- https://www.sepa.org.uk/media/219450/bank_protection_guidance.pdf
- https://www.therrc.co.uk/MOT/Final_Versions_%28Secure%29/4.1_Skerne.pdf
- https://www.moorsforthefuture.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0031/87529/Timber_Dams_Factsheet.pdf
- https://www.ydrt.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/NFM-Leaky-Dams-guide.pdf
Link to ALP & my personal objectives
I really want to improve my drawing skills, creating clear but colourful plans. This small scale design will enable me to be creative and practice these skills. I will be able to better understand how planting plans are created.
Goal
To create a plan to manage the flow of flood water using materials found onsite and without damaging fragile eco-systems and creating opportunities for creating different habitats.
Survey
The below videos shows a flood event (apologies for the dodgy videography). The water comes from springs and overflowing field drains on land above ours. It happens only once or twice a year, but the amount of water threatens to overload the large pond. This isn’t the worst it has been, but gives a good indication of the ‘average’ flood event.
There is a drain that flows under the field, and comes out into the open at the bottom of the slope.
It runs as a stream through the woods at the bottom before exiting into a drain under the neighbours field. The force of the water has caused deep erosion.
Over a few years I have observed the water. Maps below show the areas most affected and the flow of water.
MAPS HERE
Analysis
I looked at different options open to me to slow the flow of water;
PMI –
Identify habitats that need protection,
Identify resources on site
Check against Principles – Mollison
Work with nature rather than against it
The problem is the solution
Make the least change for the greatest possible effect
The yield of the system is theoretically unlimited
Everything gardens
Decision
Stacking Functions?
Implementation
Time Frames
Apply for Grant
Site Visits
Contractors –
Timescale restrictions – climate/seasonal
Who does what and when? Gannt Chart