Ousewem further expands flood resilience efforts

Ousewem has announced the continued expansion of its natural flood management (NFM) focus areas within the North Yorkshire Swale, Ure, Nidd and Ouse catchments to include:

• Arkengarthdale
• Masham
• Bellerby
• Bishop Monkton

Other communities will follow, where resources allow.

This follows the previous phase of new focus catchments, which targeted communities in Appersett, Gayle, Hawes, and Hunton, where further projects continue to be delivered.

Through nature-based solutions (NbS), including NFM such as wetland creation, forestry, and leaky dams, this expansion continues Ousewem’s mission to support local resilience in the face of flood risks.

Approach to catchment selection

The latest phase reflects a continued evolution of our targeted, collaborative approach to selecting communities. Building on the foundations of previous phases - where hydrological modelling was combined with insights from landowners - the latest catchments were prioritised using evidence, and input from a range of stakeholders, including:

• North Yorkshire Council
• Yorkshire Dales National Park
• Nidderdale National Landscape
• Environment Agency
• Natural England
• Yorkshire Dales Rivers Trust

This collaborative and evidence-based process helps focus efforts where the greatest impact will be made.

Our overarching goal is to establish a legacy in these catchments. Early engagement with farmers and landowners is essential, allowing us to achieve the best results by adapting to the community interest and funding needs, and strengthening resilience.

Opportunities for farmers and landowners

Farmers and landowners in these areas have a unique opportunity to join forces with Ousewem. We will work closely to assess each site and determine suitability for NFM projects.

If a project is viable, our team will co-design solutions with the landowner, with delivery led by the Yorkshire Dales Rivers Trust, backed by our partners Natural England and the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority or Nidderdale National Landscape.

Ousewem also supports landowners in navigating the funding landscape to explore environmental initiatives and additional funding options.

Community benefits

Beyond individual sites, this initiative offers broader benefits to local communities, from enhanced resilience to flood risks to improved natural habitats, contributing to a more sustainable future. Building on the success of earlier phases, this work continues to foster strong, sustainable communities and landscapes.

Rachel Flood, Ousewem Project Manager, commented:

The success of our initial projects has laid the groundwork for this expansion into new focus catchments. Our refined approach, informed by detailed flood reports and partner collaboration, ensures we are targeting areas where nature-based solutions will deliver the most benefits for people and the environment alike.

Building a resilient future

Ousewem’s long-term vision will continue through to 2027 as part of a plan to deliver NbS, including NFM, across Yorkshire. To achieve this, we need the support of farmers, landowners and local communities who are eager to create a lasting impact. Together, we can enhance the resilience of Yorkshire’s landscapes, ensuring they remain both functional and beautiful for generations to come.

Join the effort

We invite Yorkshire’s farmers and landowners, communities, and policymakers to join in this transformative journey. Together, we can lay the foundation for a resilient Yorkshire, promoting sustainable practices that strengthen our landscapes and benefit everyone.

For more information or to explore collaboration opportunities, please contact the Ousewem team on email: [email protected].

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