Andrew Disney - Senior Flood Advisor - Environment Agency

I’ve lived and worked in Nottingham for many years now. It’s the place I started my own family and the place my daughters call home. As I reflect with age I feel the importance of place more than ever.

I have spent the last 5 or 6 years been collecting flood risk data and evidence on the River Leen and during that time I have come to appreciate more and more the importance of this river to Nottingham and to the people that live and work close to the river. The River Leen is Nottingham’s river.

I’ve met people who really care about this river and that’s important to me. I want people to feel safe from flood risk, I want people to have a good quality environment that they feel proud of and can feel is theirs and is their own special part of Nottingham.

I believe if we can create space for the River Leen to function more naturally and reduce the future risk of flooding that climate change presents, then we can also provide great access and spaces for people to connect and enjoy their local environment. That must surely support local businesses as well.