Our Nature Based Solutions workstream is re-imagining nature-based solutions for groundwater flooding.
2024
Built on initial research
Since joining Project Groundwater in November 2023, JBA Consulting has led the nature-based solutions workstream. This year, they built on initial research from their scoping study to ‘re-imagine’ nature-based solutions for groundwater flooding.
Historically, human activities such as arable farming, mills, expansion of towns and villages and building of roads and tracks, have altered and blocked the flow paths for water that naturally occur when groundwater levels are high, and changed the natural course of permanent watercourses. This has increased flood risk in some locations.
JBA’s focus is on finding opportunities to re-naturalise these flow paths, allowing groundwater to flow away and lowering water levels, with the aim of reducing flood risk and disruption to roads, infrastructure and properties. It’s an approach they’ve dubbed as ‘making space for groundwater’. In 2024, the team identified nature-based interventions such as removing or reducing blockages and culverts, re-establishing or realigning winterbournes, restoring rivers and reconnecting floodplains.
They also identified locations where retrofit sustainable drainage could be used in more urban areas to manage surface water flooding which can occur in combination with groundwater flooding.
A short-list of nature-based opportunities
In 2024, the ‘making space for groundwater’ conceptual framework was applied across the nine pilot communities, and the team identified 48 potential opportunities to implement nature-based solutions. The approach used to identify these opportunities, as well as their details, was presented in a report.
The 48 opportunities were prioritised by scoring their benefits and constraints. This was further refined through workshops with partners and technical expertise to develop a short list of 15. Through this process, the team also identified opportunities to collaborate with planned or ongoing flood and river restoration schemes which were being led by project partners.
Initial guidance on sustainable drainage in groundwater risk areas
The team also worked with the planning workstream this year to develop guidance for developers and planners for sustainable drainage in groundwater risk areas. This guidance covered design principles, the use of monitoring and modelling information to inform design, design considerations, and the effectiveness of sustainable drainage features.
2025
Investigating feasibility
The shortlist of 15 nature-based solutions has identified two to three promising options in most pilot areas for further exploration.
The team’s next step is to carry out a more detailed feasibility review of each of these options. They will develop some high-level concept designs to understand which might be the most viable and effective interventions, ensuring that they are nature based. This will include emphasis on the wider benefits which can be achieved, particularly in terms of water quality, biodiversity, and community benefits.
Progressing designs
In 2025 we aim to agree on the preferred options and create an implementation plan for the next steps to implementing nature-based solutions on the ground, including surveys, design, planning applications and permits, and match funding opportunities.
Planning monitoring
We will be collaborating with Cardiff University on monitoring of nature-based solutions in areas affected by groundwater and in producing further academic outputs.
Engagement
We are working with the engagement workstream to understand what level of engagement is appropriate for each of the options. We will be engaging with local authorities, water companies, charities (such as the Chilterns Society) and other partners. We will also engage with local flood action groups and community groups, and the wider community where we are considering options which are impactful and accessible to them.
Any engagement undertaken will explain the suitability of nature-based solutions for groundwater flooding and address why traditional methods may be ineffective in this context. Where appropriate we will involve the community in the design process, ensuring that community needs and priorities are integrated throughout the design process. This collaborative approach will also help us prioritise opportunities and determine which schemes are best suited for on-the-ground implementation.
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