How rewilding reduces flood risk: A natural approach to flood management that repairs and revitalises our broken ecosystems

This report looks closely at a wide range of examples related to rewilding and also considers findings from academic sources and NGOs. This report outlines the importance of rewilding in restoring land and water not just for wildlife but also for humans to thrive and prosper. Rewilding projects are long lasting, involve communities in decision-making and improve areas for wildlife as well as people.

The report proposes the following points to encourage more rewilding that helps with flood management:

• a policy framework that supports rewilding as a part of the package of measures needed to manage
  flood risk;
• more ring-fenced funding and signposting to novel funding opportunities;
• a very pro-active approach by Government agencies to incentivise good land and water management;
• an agency to take the lead on spreading good practice and guidance to landowners and communities affected by flooding so that they understand how working with nature can help;
• local people to be at the heart of decision-making on flood management
• a programme of beaver reintroduction;
• open access data to enable the best possible decision-making on priorities and funds.