A pioneering river restoration on Exmoor is declared a success after producing many strikingly big benefits for people and nature in its first 12 months. Careful monitoring of the River Aller on the National Trust's Holnicote Estate in West Somerset has shown flood risks reduced and wildlife teeming. The project was part-funded by Somerset Rivers Authority.
As part of Flood Action Week (14 - 20 October 2024), Somerset Rivers Authority is urging people across Somerset to ensure they are prepared for a flood. Flood Action Week is an annual awareness campaign run by the Environment Agency, a partner in Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA).
Here's the Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) Annual Report 2023-24. It covers hundreds of locations across Somerset, right down to individual streams, culverts, fields and streets. And it gives you details of many schemes and activities to reduce the risks and impacts of flooding in Somerset, and improve people's lives and the environment.
Somerset's first Climate Adaptation Plan has been produced in Glastonbury, to help that historic town prepare for a new age of flooding, heatwaves and drought. The Plan is the result of months of collaboration between Somerset Wildlife Trust, Glastonbury Town Council, residents, business owners and other organisations. The development of the Plan has been funded by Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA). An 'Adaptation Blitz' is being planned for next year by Somerset Wildlife Trust to implement as many of the Plan's recommendations as possible.
The Future of Water in Somerset is the main theme for a thought-provoking and enjoyable evening of talks and questions on Tuesday 14 May at the Somerset Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury. The event's being organised by Somerset Rivers Authority with the South West Heritage Trust. It incudes access to a new show of photographs by the renowned Somerset-based photographer Matilda Temperley, reflecting on ten years since the devastating floods of 2013-14.
An update about a very wet winter in the River Axe and River Brue catchments in Somerset, with news of actions being taken in response and advice for people who have been or might be affected by flooding.
A new show of photographs by renowned Somerset-based photographer Matilda Temperley reflects on ten years since the devastating floods of 2013-14. Called Under the Surface - and supported by Somerset Rivers Authority - the exhibition is at Somerset Rural Life Museum, Glastonbury from Saturday 2 March to Sunday 19 May.
It's 10 years since the wettest winter for 250 years left large swathes of Somerset underwater for weeks, devastating communities, businesses and farming. Much flood defence and risk management work has since taken place, including many schemes funded or part-funded by Somerset Rivers Authority (launched in 2015). Across Somerset, the impacts of climate change mean that resilience and adaptation to flood risks will gradually need to play a bigger part in Somerset’s future.
After Storm Henk last week caused significant flooding with some watercourses reaching their highest ever recorded levels, the situation on the Somerset Levels and Moors is now improving. Flood risks are decreasing daily thanks to more settled weather and ongoing Environment Agency pumping operations.
Storm Henk and heavy rainfall since the New Year mean that river levels are rising and the Somerset moors are very wet. Currently river levels are too high to allow pumping. The Environment Agency will begin pumping as soon as there is enough room in the main river channels to receive the flood water. Looking ahead, the weekend is forecast to be generally dry, with clearer weather in the long-term forecast. But there is now a lot of water in river networks, which will take time to work its way through catchments.