How much can natural measures reduce flooding at large scales? To answer this question over the next three years the Q-NFM investigator team, lead by Lancaster University, will work in three large Cumbrian catchments (‘test basins’), the Eden, Derwent and Kent with their partners who are delivering NFM interventions .

Beavers create complex wetland mosaics, creating ponds, canals, mires and braided streams, and coppicing trees like willow as aspen to maintain open grassland habitats within the mosaic.