Severn Valley Water Management Scheme
Communities invited to find out about progress of Severn Valley Water Management Scheme at series of drop-in events
Residents and business owners along the upper Severn Valley are invited to a series of drop-in sessions being held later this year where they can find out more about plans to manage water and enhance communities in the area.
The Severn Valley Water Management Scheme (SVWMS) is an initiative led by a partnership of the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales, Powys County Council and Shropshire Council which aims to enhance water management and create resilient environments across the Upper Severn catchment.
The Partnership will be at the drop-in sessions below to discuss how it will be developing plans to make the Severn a more vibrant and resilient river catchment, and members of the communities are invited to the drop-in session to find out more.
As well as considering future options for the upper Severn catchment, the SVWMS is also exploring the different funding approaches that would be needed to take forward future implementation in what is a challenging funding environment.
The drop-in sessions will be held 2-7pm on the following dates:
7 November – Newtown Library, Park Lane, Newtown, SY16 1EJ
26 November – Llanidloes - Hanging Gardens Project, Bethel St, Llanidloes SY18 6BS
10 December – Meifod – Meifod Cobra Rugby Club, Meifod, SY22 6HF
13 January – Oswestry – Oswestry Memorial Hall, Smithfield Street, Oswestry, SY11 2EG
29 January – Shrewsbury – Shropshire Wildlife Trust, 193 Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury SY2 6AH
These sessions, which coincide with briefings for local parish and community councils in Powys and Shropshire, are designed to provide an opportunity for residents to learn more about the project, ask questions, and share their views.
People can also keep up to date with progress of the scheme and all the latest news and events by viewing the new SVWMS website, which seeks feedback from those with an interest in the scheme.
The project is investigating a combination of sustainable land use management, in conjunction with current land uses, up-scaled nature-based solutions, and sensitive engineering methods to improve flood risk resilience and water management in the catchment area.
If delivered, the SVWMS will bring numerous benefits to communities and businesses across the Severn catchment in England and Wales:
Improved Flood Risk Management: By implementing a combination of measures, the project will help slow the flow of water upstream, reducing the risk of flooding in downstream areas.
Enhanced Biodiversity: The project will contribute to halting biodiversity decline by creating and improving habitats such as wetlands, reed beds, and woodlands. This will support a diverse range of plant and animal species.
Climate Resilience: The regenerative approach of the SVWMS will positively contribute to addressing the climate crisis by enhancing the natural environment's ability to absorb and store carbon.
Social Value: The project will engage local communities and involve them in the decision-making process, fostering a sense of ownership and stewardship over the natural environment.
Economic Benefits: By improving water management and reducing flood risks, the project can protect local businesses and infrastructure, contributing to the overall economic resilience of the region
