Reducing flood risk from source to sea

This publication showcases the first steps towards an integrated catchment plan for Cumbria (United Kingdom). Following the devastating floods in the area the last years, the authorities appointed a Director for each main catchment, Eden, Derwent, and Kent and Leven. This document records their initial work to make communities safer for this winter, from repairing damaged flood defences, to building new defences, and establishing new warning areas.

In particular, the actions taken to protect Cumbria involve:

• the strengthening of defences, such as roads, bridges, water and sewage works;
• upstream management, through soil aeration, bunds, leaky dams, woodland creation and river restoration;
• maintenance of infrastructure;
• resilience, by ensuring people and property are prepared for and resilient to flooding;
• water level management boards, which are locally run, public bodies that manage areas of special drainage need.