Rising waters | Rooted solutions
Our mission to educate and protect our communities
Discover our exciting initiative, supporting the Rivers2U project. Our goal is to create a network of informed and proactive individuals who can contribute to the sustainability of their environment.
At Ousewem, we are deeply committed to fostering flood resilience in our communities, from the tranquil corners of North Yorkshire to the bustling streets of York. Our mission is to safeguard all our communities by educating them about the intricate connections between water, land use, and flood risk. We believe that understanding these connections is crucial for building a more resilient future.
One of the most exciting initiatives we support is the Yorkshire Dales Rivers Trust’s (YDRT) Rivers2U project. This award-winning educational programme has made significant strides in engaging and educating communities along the Rivers Wharfe, Swale, Ure, Nidd, and Ouse, as well as their tributaries. So far, the project has reached 5,677 children across 219 classes in 73 schools.
The Rivers2U project brings the wonders of rivers to life, offering a comprehensive understanding of river geography, the water cycle, wildlife, and habitats. Importantly, it also focuses on the dynamics of flooding and the benefits of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and natural flood management (NFM). Through hands-on activities and interactive lessons, children and community members learn how rivers work and how we can protect our water systems to prevent flooding.
Our collaborative efforts highlight the importance of keeping our rivers healthy. Rivers are vital for supplying drinking water, supporting agriculture, providing habitats for wildlife, and offering recreational spaces that contribute to our health and well-being. Moreover, healthy rivers play a crucial role in combating climate change. By introducing nature-based solutions (NbS) to store water on the land, we can slow the flow of water downstream, enhancing our communities' flood resilience.
Ousewem is proud to be part of this educational journey. We aim to empower communities with the knowledge and tools needed to manage flood risks effectively. Understanding the link between land use and flood risk is a key step in this process. Whether it’s through teaching children in schools or engaging with local residents, our goal is to create a network of informed and proactive individuals who can contribute to the sustainability of their environments.
If your school is within our catchment area and you are studying rivers and would like to book a visit from our mobile classroom, or if you are planning a community event which you think it would be useful for us to attend, please don’t hesitate to get in touch at [email protected]. Together, we can build a resilient future where everyone understands the critical role of water in our lives and works towards protecting our communities from the impacts of flooding.
Let’s make a difference together, from the serene landscapes of North Yorkshire to the vibrant city of York.
