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 Improving flood resilience across Devon

January 2025

Stage zero floodplain reconnection

Tattiscombe North Devon

We are excited to share that works have been completed at Tattiscombe (North Devon) for a stage-zero river restoration scheme (left). This project aims to encourage natural processes for the river to re-establish its connection with the floodplain, storing more water on the land and increasing flood resilience. This site is being monitored by our PhD students and we are excited to see how it changes over the coming months and years.

This project is joint funded by DRIP and the Government's Species Survival Fund. The fund was developed by Defra and its Arm's-Length Bodies. It is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England and the Environment Agency. 

Leaky dams installation

Woodbury Woods

A number of leaky dams (right) have been installed in the river channels throughout Woodbury Woods, a steep sided woodland in the Exton catchment. By slowing the flow of water higher up in the catchment, this will increase flood resilience to the Exton community downstream. These interventions are being monitored by PhD students to understand the hydrological impact of the leaky dams during rainfall events.

University of Exeter research collaboration

Centre for Water Systems

Back in Autumn, the Centre for Water Systems (CWS) at the University of Exeter and the Environment Agency held a research exchange workshop. This included a tour of the labs (left) and presentations on the latest research projects, including monitoring and modelling of flood forecasting within DRIP. This was a great opportunity for the two organisations to discuss research impacts and opportunities for future collaboration.

New video produced by DRIP

St Levan, Plymouth

We are excited to share the next video produced through DRIP, focussed on the St Levan community, Plymouth. This is an excellent example of work to improve flood resilience through a number of small actions that can add up to mkae a big difference. All videos produced in relation to DRIP can be seen on our website.

Cornwall Community Flood forum conference

It was great to see a number of DRIP partners at the Cornwall Community Flood Forum conference back in November. The Building Resilience In Communities (BRIC) team had a stall with their engagement tools and ran an excellent workshop on community engagement (left). Westcountry Rivers Trust also attended with the augmented reality sandtable, which is an excellent visual engagement tool and was popular on the day.

Slow the Flow booklet

Produced by Building Resilience In Communities (BRIC) project

The BRIC team, from Plymouth City Council have produced an excellent booklet called 'A Guide to Slowing the Flow'. This contains some fantastic ideas on how individuals can reduce surface water flood risk, particularly in an urban environment. For example: How to create a drainpipe garden Installing water butts Ideas for green roofs and walls Planting guides Let us know if you try any of these out!

Follow us on social media

For more regular project updates, follow us on Instagram @devonfloodresilience and Facebook /devonfloodresilience. 

DRIP is part of the £200m Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes, managed by the Environment Agency

Next newsletter: April 2025

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