In the article from Science Daily, “Natural Engineering Offers Solution against Future Flooding” by Newcastle University (2014), it was stated that “back-to-nature flood schemes”, which utilise the environment’s inherent protection capabilities, could be an economical alternative to curtailing floods. Research lead, Dr Mark Wilkinson, also mentioned that winter rainfall and flooding occurrence would surge in the future.
It was reported that river management strategies were exhibited in Belford, Northumberland, which illustrated the reduction of surface run-off and soil mineral depletion.
The article described that Natural Flood Management (NFM) aspires to scale down the peak water height or delay flood arrival, adding more preparation time for response. This would be done by hampering the progress of water while working sustainably with the environment. Strategies include storing, slowing and redirecting water and increasing soil infiltration. This proved to be much cheaper (~£200,000) in the Belford Scheme, contrary to a “full conventional flood defense scheme” (~£2.5m). Mirroring Belford’s flooding situation, many other rural towns could also benefit from the NFM.
Overall, it was established that the scheme was a triumph due to the backing and approval of the Belford community, together with the comprehensive awareness of the “land and local environment”.
Natural Flood Management (NFM) provides an economical alternative to traditional flood management systems. However, the article neglected to mention the various environmental and social benefits the implementation of NFM systems would bring.
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