Slowing the flow at Pickering – Guidance for landowners

Landowners in the project area are encouraged to participate and help achieve a successful outcome for the benefit of the local community.

Soil compaction can cause surface ponding and rapid run off from fields

Farm woodland planted under the English Woodland Grant Scheme (EWGS)

Why is it important that landowners participate?

This innovative partnership project relies on individual owners and managers making changes on the ground that we believe will collectively make a significant contribution to reducing the risk of flooding downstream at Pickering and Sinnington.

Woodland planting

Woodland planting offers significant scope for slowing down flood flows, as well as providing other important environmental benefits. To be most effective, woodland needs to be targeted to certain locations, including the floodplain, streamsides and soils at high risk of erosion or generating rapid runoff.

Managing moorland and farmland

Other changes that can help relate to how moorland and farmland are managed. For example, areas of ground that give rise to rapid runoff and soil laden water after heavy rainfall would benefit from steps to protect the ground surface and intercept the flow of water before it reaches a stream. This can include maintaining a winter vegetation cover, using hard bases for troughs and feeders, resurfacing gateways, and establishing grass or shrub swales or check dams.

Grants, payments and advice

For those who have land that is prone to flooding or generating rapid runoff and would like to make a difference, NOW is the time to act. Capital and annual grant payments administered by the Forestry Commission, Natural England, Environment Agency and Defra are being targeted towards the project area for a range of measures over the next two years and free expertise and advice is available from members of the project team.

• Forestry Commission England – Countryside Stewardship
• Forestry Commission – Regional funding in Yorkshire and the Humber
• Natural England – Farming and land stewardship
• Defra – Catchment sensitive farming

For further information

Please contact:

Tom Nisbet
Forest Research
Alice Holt Lodge
Farnham
Surrey
GU10 4LH

Tel: 0300 067 5697
Email: Tom.Nisbet@forestry.gsi.gov.uk