13: Slow the flow: 5.7 million

In England alone, an estimated 5.7 million properties are at risk of flooding from rivers, the sea, surface water and groundwater.  In this episode and in the wake of Storm Bert, Alice and Sue visit the Bruern Estate in Oxfordshire to explore how Natural Flood Management measures are reducing flood risks downstream in Milton-under-Wychwood. UKCEH senior hydrologist Dr Alejandro Dussaillant explains how a holistic nature-based approach can work alongside more traditional flood management techniques to help address the challenges presented by the climate crisis and changes in land use. Alice and Sue also speak with Ann Berkeley from Wild Oxfordshire, to learn how features such as leaky woody dams, swales, wet woodlands and field corner bunds are helping to manage water flow through the catchment, bringing co-benefits along the way. UKCEH hydrologists Neeraj Sah and Ponnambalam Rameshwaran share insights from the ongoing monitoring activity to evaluate the longer-term effectiveness, co-benefits and any trade-offs to consider of these innovative approaches.For more information about the work done at the Bruern Estate and across the Evenlode Catchment please see the website for that project Hosts: Sue Nelson and Alice Hope Producer: Rachael BuchananCounting the Earth is a Boffin Media Production for the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology.