Traditional flood schemes such as embankments and river re-profiling will provide only limited flood risk improvements and we need to consider alternative options to reduce the risk of flooding to property such as Natural Flood Management (NFM).

The Environment Agency was successful in obtaining some funding from Trent River Flood and Coastal Committee (RFCC) to develop a methodology for assessing the effects of land management practices on flood risk in the rural catchment that drains through Scotter.

The toolbox provides a 7 step guide to developing an NFM scheme. It was developed with the support of the Trent RFCC and was inspired by the experiences of local partners working to manage flood risk in Scotter. The toolbox signposts readers with links to further reading, advice and case study examples of NFM in action.

This piece of work was developed with CBEC Consultants. When undertaking this scoping exercise it became apparent that the process would not be unique to our project.

The toolbox, is not specific to the Scotter catchment.  The intention is that this guidance can be used by practitioners and communities elsewhere in England with an interest in developing a project that can deliver environmental and flood risk benefits alike.

This toolbox does not duplicate the NFM Evidence base which will be published by the Environment Agency in autumn 2017, it is a useful tool which can be used alongside it when considering NFM within a catchment. NFM is a developing area of flood risk and environmental practice and the intention is to update the toolbox based on feedback.

Any feedback and suggestions regarding your use of the toolbox are welcomed, please contact Andrew Disney at the Environment Agency with your comments.