Flood Management Conference: Natural Solutions to Localized Flooding

A Gathering of Minds

The conference led by CPRE Norfolk Chair, Chris Dady, was a resounding success, with over 60 attendees, including CPRE National Chief Executive, Roger Mortlock, representatives from parish councils, environmental organizations, academic institutions, and concerned citizens. The diverse mix of participants fostered a rich exchange of ideas and insights, highlighting the strength of our community’s commitment to sustainable and effective flood management.

Chris Dady said, ‘This conference was particularly timely as we are seeing significantly more flooding incidents across the county, caused by a combination of climate change and increased pressures on land use and our infrastructure. Not only is flooding costly for those who have been affected, but there is the human impact too; having your home or business flooded is extremely disruptive and distressing.

‘While it can sometimes feel we are powerless against the literally rising tides, there are steps that parish councils and landowners can take to reduce the likelihood and impact of flooding, and we hope this conference inspires and informs people to take action.’

Keynote Speakers and Panels

Our distinguished keynote speakers, including Helen George, Natural Flood Management Manager for the Environment Agency, Rob Wise, Environment Adviser for NFU East and Professor Tim O’Riordan set the tone for the day with compelling presentations on innovative approaches to flood prevention and management.
In addition to the keynotes, several panel discussions delved into practical applications and case studies of natural flood management in action. These real-world examples provided valuable lessons and demonstrated the feasibility and benefits of nature-based solutions.

Collaboration and Next Steps

The conference underscored the critical need for ongoing collaboration between local authorities, communities, and environmental organizations. CPRE Norfolk created a toolkit that was distributed to attendees. This outlined practical steps to mitigate flooding in local areas and identified sources of alternative advice.
As the day concluded, a consensus emerged: addressing localized flooding requires a collective, sustained effort. Attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to implementing the strategies discussed at the conference. CPRE Norfolk pledged continued support, offering resources and expertise to help parish councils put these plans into action.

A Heartfelt Thank You

We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of this conference.
Special thanks go to our keynote speakers and trustees for their invaluable support and dedication. Your contributions have laid the groundwork for a more resilient Norfolk, equipped to face the challenges of flooding with innovative, natural solutions.

Moving Forward Together

For more information about our initiatives and how you can get involved, or to request a copy of the flooding toolkit, please contact us directly