Connecting Communities across the Pewsey Community Area
Flooding
Building Resilience to the Impact of Flooding
Flooding is becoming a regular feature of heavy rainfall and is likely to become increasingly common for some people. Flooding is often a life changing event affecting peoples' outlook on life, finances, long term mental health, education and wellbeing.
The Green Vale Project has commissioned a report by Paul Cobbing who has produced a Flood Prevention Guide to help reduce local flood risk and support community preparedness.
The latest flood risk maps published in 2025 show that the risks of future flooding from surface water and rivers are likely to increase.
The Environment Agency has produced guidance on Watercourses: Rights & Roles to provide information for anyone who owns or occupies land or property next to or containing a main river in England.
Slow the flow with a rain garden
In its simplest form, a rain garden is a shallow depression, with absorbent, yet free draining soil. Rain gardens are planted with vegetation that can withstand occasional temporary flooding as well as being drought tolerant. Rain gardens are designed to reduce the volume of rainwater running off into drains from roofs and other impervious areas.
Despite the name, rain gardens only contain shallow water for brief periods (24-48 hrs) after heavy rain. Rain gardens need to be free-draining so clay soils may not be suitable.
For much more on this award winning idea from Great Green Bedwyn visit their website www.greatgreenbedwyn.org.uk/post/getting-started-with-a-rain-garden