Tried and tested nature-based water management project celebrated
Press play to learn more about the successful Guilsfield Demonstrator project
Partners and stakeholders have marked the conclusion of a successful nature-based water management initiative in Guilsfield.
The Guilsfield Demonstrator Project, which is one of a series of place‑based demonstrators contributing data to the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme (SVWMS) and was delivered by the Severn Rivers Trust.
The event, held in Guilsfield, brought together farmers and landowners as well as flood‑affected residents to witness the success of the project and how locally designed interventions can inform wider approaches to managing water across the Severn catchment.
As with other SVWMS demonstrator projects, managed by Shropshire Council, the Guilsfield project has focused on testing how natural flood management measures can be delivered in ways that work for land managers while delivering wider public and environmental benefits.
Landowners shared their experiences of implementing measures on their land, highlighting how targeted support has enabled sustainable changes in land management.
Across the catchment the project has delivered:
- 95 leaky dams
- 13 attenuation feature such as ponds and scrapes
- 2 hectares of woodland creation and restoration
- 720 metres of hedgerow creation
The measures are already helping to slow the flow of water, reduce surface water runoff and improve resilience to flooding, while also supporting farm businesses and environmental outcomes.
The project forms part of the SVWMS’s wider programme of demonstrator projects, which are designed to generate practical evidence and learning to inform future investment and long‑term water management at scale across the Severn Valley.
Dewi Morris, who led the project for the Severn Rivers Trust, said:-
“The Guilsfield project shows the value of working directly with farmers and communities to design solutions that are practical, locally appropriate and deliver multiple benefits.
“As part of the SVWMS demonstrator programme, it provides important learning on how natural flood management can be taken forward as part of a longer‑term approach to managing water across the catchment.”
Tom Dainty, Shropshire Council Cabinet member with responsibility for flooding, said:-
“The SVWMS demonstrator projects are about learning by doing. Guilsfield has helped test what natural flood management looks like in practice, how it can support land managers, and how it can contribute to wider flood resilience and environmental goals. That learning is essential as we look to develop solutions that can be applied more widely across the Severn Valley.
“It was clear from the amount of public interest that the Severn Rivers Trust have gained the trust of local people and have been able to deliver a very successful project in terms of informing the SVWMS and in delivering real benefits across the community.”
Dewi added:-
“I was delighted that at the end of the event there was a shared commitment to build on the success of the Guilsfield Demonstrator, ensuring that the evidence, relationships and learning continue to inform the next phase of the SVWMS and to support more joined‑up, long‑term approaches to water management across the catchment.”
Watch this video to find out more about the Guilsfield Demonstrator and how it has improved flood resilience in the catchment area.
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.
To learn more about the SVWMS visit: Have Your Say Today – Severn Valley Water Management Scheme – Commonplace
