A project to naturally manage fluvial flooding in the Mevagissey catchment is one of forty projects nationally announced by Floods Minister Robbie Moore to benefit from a £25 million government programme.
Part of the government’s plan to increase the nation’s flood resilience is to make use of natural flood management processes. This includes projects to protect, restore, and mimic the natural functions of catchments, floodplains and the coast to store and slow the flow of water.
The announcement comes after a wide range of applications were submitted to the Environment Agency by community groups, environmental charities and councils for grants, following the launch of the largest-ever investment in natural flood management schemes in September last year. The Environment Agency led a review of these applications, with input from Defra and Natural England.
The Climate Resilient Mevagissey project, led by the Westcountry Rivers Trust, alongside Cornwall Council and Climate Vision, along with farmers and communities around Mevagissey, seeks to build resilience in the soils and habitats around the catchment that feeds into Mevagissey, so that when it rains the water run off is released slowly rather than suddenly. It will also mean that the water is less ‘dirty’ and is clearer and cleaner. This would not only help reduce the risk of flood waters overwhelming the town but also improve the water quality going into this important working harbour.
Member of Parliament for St Austell and Newquay Steve Double has supported the bid. Commenting, Steve said:
“Mevagissey is a coastal community which is regularly affected by coastal and fluvial flooding. Either one is bad enough, but in extreme weather conditions, where there is a high tide, an easterly wind, and heavy rainfall with saturated ground, the community faces the risk of a major flood event such as we saw in 2010.”
“During my time as MP for the area I have worked with various agencies to address both types of flooding and their causes, and am pleased to see the success of the Climate Resilient Mevagissey Project, with £280,000 of DEFRA funding, which I have been promoting to colleagues in Government since last year.”
“I look forward to seeing the project move onto the next stage towards design and implementation, and will continue to support it going forward.”
Cornwall Councillor for Mevagissey and St Austell Bay Cllr James Mustoe said:
“I am delighted to see the progress of the strong and innovative bid put in by the Westcountry Rivers Trust, Cornwall Council and Climate Vision towards providing natural solutions to address the causes of flooding in the Mevagissey catchment.”
“The proposals make a clear and persuasive argument on green and sustainable steps that can be taken to reduce flooding in our parish and it I have been pleased to see the enthusiastic endorsement from the local farming community in particular.”
“I hope to see the Climate Resilient Mevagissey project designed and in place to make a real positive difference for the community of Mevagissey in the future.”
Floods Minister Robbie Moore said:
“It’s vital we use nature as an ally in our work to become ready for climate change, helping to restore the natural environment and protecting homes and businesses. That’s why we’re funding the biggest-ever investment in natural flood management – and it’s great to see the huge demand.”
“These schemes will complement traditional bricks-and-mortar defences, all funded by our £5.2 billion flood programme. This programme is one more part of our plan to bolster flood resilience and shield communities – all whilst boosting biodiversity, restoring habitats and protecting the environment for future generations.”
The Environment Agency is managing the new £25 million programme with work taking place from now until March 2027.
The programme will help meet the goals of the National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy for England, which provides a longer-term vision of how we will better protect and prepare homes and businesses from flooding and coastal change and create climate resilient places.
It also supports the Government Policy Statement on Flood and Coastal Erosion Management, which highlights the importance of harnessing the power of nature, and the Environmental Improvement Plan, which recognises the need to mitigate and adapt to climate change with the use of nature-based solutions. Investing in natural flood management will support the government’s plan to better protect communities while tackling climate change and benefitting nature.