As the impacts of climate change become increasingly evident, communities across the country are experiencing more frequent and intense weather events. Recent years have shown the disruption and damage flooding can cause, highlighting the importance of both individual preparedness and long-term action to improve resilience. The council is encouraging people to understand their flood risk, prepare a flood plan and sign up for warnings before flooding happens.
Many communities across Central Bedfordshire have experienced flooding in recent years. While no area can eliminate flood risk completely, both residents and public bodies can take steps to be better prepared. The council is supporting this through its Flood Ready Together initiative, which provides practical guidance, including a free household flood plan to help residents identify important contacts, plan for emergencies, and know what action to take if flooding occurs.
Alongside helping residents become more flood resilient, the council is continuing to invest in measures designed to help communities adapt to a changing climate. This includes natural flood management, sustainable drainage, targeted flood risk infrastructure improvements, and enhanced monitoring across Central Bedfordshire. The ongoing ResilienTogether programme and the Slow the Flow project at Etonbury Woods are examples of natural flood management measures designed to slow and temporarily store water within the catchment, while enhancing local habitats and biodiversity. This project features floodplain restoration, tree planting, and timber leaky barriers.
Further projects include delivering surface water drainage schemes in locations such as Blunham, West Hyde, and Caddington, addressing local flooding issues and improving the resilience of roads, homes, and communities. Sustainable drainage planters have also been installed in partnership with local communities to capture and manage rainfall closer to where it falls, enhancing public spaces and demonstrating sustainable water management.
Investment in monitoring equipment provides better information on rainfall, water levels, and local flood conditions. The council also works with partners, landowners, and local communities to support long-term flood resilience, encouraging good watercourse management and adaptation to changing weather patterns. Partnerships include Environment Agency-led works on Clipstone Brook and natural flood management in its upper catchment by the Internal Drainage Board.
Councillor Adam Zerny, the Leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, stated: "Climate change makes flooding more likely so it's vital we take proactive steps. Much work has been done to understand why flooding has taken place in the past, and the council has since worked with the Environment Agency, and Internal Drainage Board, to ensure as much funding as possible goes to the right areas. These include drainage improvements and watercourse maintenance to innovative natural flood management projects such as the work at Etonbury Woods."
"While we cannot eliminate flood risk entirely, we can be as prepared as possible. Flood Action Week is a timely reminder for all of us to understand our flood risk, make a plan and take practical steps, before severe weather arrives. Flooding can't always be prevented, but there are practical steps you can take now, and support is available."
