River Severn Partnership Adaptation Pathway Project

Background

The River Severn is the longest river in Britain, with a catchment covering both England and Wales. There are nearly 600,000 people living in major settlements along the length of the rivers in the catchment. The River Severn catchment has experienced many historical and recent flood events, with some of the highest recorded levels experienced in 2020, 2021 and 2022. The recent flooding has caused disruption to homes, businesses, transport, and the economy affecting people’s lives, livelihoods, and economic growth in the region.

In the face of increasing climate impacts and uncertainty, a long-term adaptive approach is needed to achieve sustainable economic growth and community resilience.

What is the River Severn Adaptation Pathway Project?

The River Severn Adaptation Pathway Project aims to integrate an adaptation pathway approach into how the River Severn catchment is managed. This will help ensure that the people and wildlife within this vibrant river catchment can adapt and be resilient in the face of a changing climate. The project team is working with the River Severn Partnership and other stakeholders to develop a suite of pathways and actions. These pathways and actions will help manage flood risk and secure water resources across the River Severn catchment today, tomorrow and in the future. Short and Long-term actions could include investment in:

• engineered flood defences.
• biodiversity.
• recreation.
• natural flood management.
• increasing natural assets such as parks, rivers and forests.
• improved flood warnings.
• development of living, working and environmental conditions known as spatial planning.

The River Severn Citizens' Panel

As part of the Adaptation Pathways Programme, the Environment Agency is testing different ways of engaging local communities in flood risk planning. Between 9 - 25 November 2023, it convened a panel of twenty citizens from across the River Severn Catchment to consider the question: “With more extreme weather events how can we jointly create a positive future for the River Severn, and its joining rivers?”

Over 4 sessions, the 18 panel members heard from expert witnesses about the risks and impacts of flooding for the Severn and its joining rivers. They discussed ideas for adaptation actions to find flexible ways to tackle the growing risk of flood and drought. The panel members recommendations can be found here.

Where can I find out more information?

For more information on the River Severn Adaptation Pathway, please email: Stephen.Lawrence@environment-agency.gov.uk

You can find out more information on how the River Severn Partnership is using an adaptation pathway approach on the River Severn Partnership website and by watching the video below.