Rising waters | Rooted solutions
Ousewem Launches First Project: A Collaborative Effort
Ousewem is excited to announce the launch of its first major project, with spades officially hitting the ground at Smaden Head Farm.
This project marks a significant milestone in our mission to implement nature-based solutions (NbS) and natural flood management (NFM) across North Yorkshire’s Swale, Ure, Nidd, and Ouse (SUNO) catchments.
The project at Smaden Head Farm, located in the Skell Valley near Ripon and part of the Nidderdale National Landscape, aims to improve flood resilience by slowing the flow of water from Smaden Head Dike into the River Skell. It involves installing hedgerows, leaky barriers, and woodland to reduce surface water flooding, ultimately enhancing the land for farming. These interventions also aim to reduce erosion and sediment input into the watercourse, provide new habitats for wildlife, and store carbon.
Landowner Involvement
At the heart of this project is the Learoyd family, the owner of Smaden Head Farm. The family’s interest in the project was sparked through their connection with the National Trust, as part of the Skell Valley Project. They have been working with Leeds University and local landowners to reduce silt entering Fountains Abbey and mitigate flood risk. Inspired by the successful installation of ponds and hedgerows on nearby farms, they were keen to get involved and enhance their own farm’s resilience.
The family expressed their enthusiasm for the project: “Partnering with Ousewem has been a fantastic opportunity for us. The new hedgerows and leaky barriers not only help manage flood risk but also improve the land. This project has opened my eyes to the benefits of NFM and sustainable farming practices.”
Nature-based Solutions in Action
The interventions funded by Ousewem include:
- leaky barriers along the watercourse to slow and store water during flood events
- hedgerows to absorb surface water and enhance surface roughness
- fencing to connect existing habitats and intercept surface water flow pathways
In addition, the National Trust is funding:
- new hedgerows and fencing to further enhance the landscape
Nidderdale National Landscape and the Woodland Trust are contributing:
- new riparian woodland to complement and extend the existing tree cover, providing both flood benefits and wildlife habitat
A Collaborative Effort
This project is a shining example of what can be achieved through collaboration. Gabby Crisp from the National Trust shared her thoughts: “The Skell Valley Project aims to enhance biodiversity and reduce silt entering Fountains Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This partnership with Ousewem allows us to achieve these goals while supporting local farmers. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.”
We also thank the delivery team from the Tees Rivers Trust, and Euroforest for providing some of the timber for our leaky barriers that are helping to slow the flow. Working with partners like the National Trust, Nidderdale National Landscape, the Woodland Trust, Tees Rivers Trust and Euroforest has been instrumental in bringing this project to life. By combining resources and expertise, we’re able to implement comprehensive NFM measures that benefit both the environment and local farming communities.
Looking Ahead
This project at Smaden Head Farm is just the beginning. As we continue to learn and adapt, we aim to expand our efforts across the SUNO catchments, helping more farmers and land managers improve their land’s flood resilience through nature-based solutions.
We are grateful for the support and collaboration of all our partners and look forward to the positive impact this project will have on the local landscape and farming community.
Stay tuned for more updates on our progress and future projects. If you’re a farmer in North Yorkshire interested in NFM, we’d love to hear from you and explore how we can work together to build a more resilient future.
For more information, please contact our delivery team.
