Severn Valley Water Management Scheme opens consultation on emerging strategy
The Severn Valley Water Management Scheme (SVWMS) is launching a public consultation on the findings from its emerging strategy.
This consultation marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to develop a strategy to reduce flood risk, while providing wide-ranging benefits for people and the environment across the Upper Severn.
Data analyses have helped recognise weather patterns and make predictions over likely climate changes in the future. This data indicates that to reduce flood risk to communities, up to 100 million cubic metres of water, will need to be temporarily stored during flood events -equivalent to 40,000 Olympic swimming pools.
Identifying where water is temporarily stored, how much, and for how long has been critical to understanding what is possible.
Meeting this challenge will require a combination of natural and engineered solutions temporary water storage areas tailored to the unique needs of each area.
David McKnight, the SVWMS sponsor said:-
2We are working in partnership to develop a holistic approach to flood risk management and explore how natural processes can be delivered at scale and complimented by traditional engineering approaches. We know that rivers in the area are central to local life, supporting homes, farms, businesses, and wildlife. However, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe which is why this work is vital.”
The SVWMS is committed to working closely with everyone affected, listening to experiences, and understanding local priorities and concerns. People are urged to have their say during the consultation which runs from 17 December 2025 to 11 March 2026.
Delivered by a partnership and working with the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales, Powys County Council, and Shropshire Council, SVWMS is determined to find the right balance between nature-based and engineered interventions.
Tom Dainty, Shropshire Council deputy cabinet member with responsibility for flooding, said:-
“Flooding is one of our region’s most urgent challenges, and this is a real opportunity to make a difference at scale. By combining natural and engineered solutions, we can reduce flood risk, restore habitats, and improve water quality, creating safer, more resilient places for people and nature.
“Community involvement is absolutely vital. Only by listening to local voices and working in partnership can we ensure every action delivers multiple benefits, helping protect homes and livelihoods while enhancing our environment for future generations.”
The SVWMS has pledged every solution will be designed to be sensitive to local needs and to deliver the greatest possible benefit for people, nature, and the local economy.
Councillor Dainty added:-
“This consultation is an opportunity for everyone including individual residents, farmers, business owners, and community groups, to help shape the future of water management in the Upper Severn.”
Consultation events will be held across the catchment, and materials will be available online and in local libraries and leisure centres.
Feedback from this consultation will directly inform the development of the draft strategy, which will be subject to further consultation in 2026.
Further information, consultation materials, and feedback forms will be available at: www.severnvalleywatermanagementscheme.commonplace.is
Enquiries and comments can be directed to SVWMS@environment-agency.gov.uk
About the SVWMS: The SVWMS is a cross-border initiative led by the Environment Agency, in partnership with Natural Resources Wales, Powys County Council, and Shropshire Council, and funded by Defra. Its aim is to develop a holistic water management strategy for the upper Severn, which could serve as a model for similar projects nationwide.
