Nature’s superpower: How wildlife helps protect us from flooding

What is Natural Flood Management?

NFM uses nature-based solutions (natural processes) to hold back, slow down, and soak up water across the landscape. This means restoring wetlands, planting trees, building leaky dams, reconnecting rivers to their floodplains and so on to keep water where it falls and out of harm’s way. Instead of relying only on concrete walls or drains, we can use nature’s own systems to protect properties, roads, and farmland.

NFM is especially focused on water retention: holding water higher up in the catchment, reducing flood peaks downstream, and giving communities more time to prepare for heavy rainfall.

Examples of NFM in action include:

• Wetlands acting like giant sponges

• Trees and hedgerows catching rain before it hits the ground

• Wildflower meadows improving soil, so water drains better

• Reconnected rivers that overflow into safe areas instead of towns

Why biodiversity matters

The more variety of plants and animals we have, the stronger these natural systems become. Biodiverse areas:

• Help soil absorb more water

• Support plants that slow down runoff

• Create homes for frogs, insects, and birds that keep ecosystems balanced

• Recover faster after storms or droughts

In short, healthy nature = better flood protection.

Real-life examples in Wales: Nature-based solutions in action

Across Wales, communities and conservation groups are showing how working with nature can protect homes, support wildlife, and build climate resilience. The Welsh Government, Natural Resources Wales and Risk Management Authorities (RMAs) are working together to mainstream NFM, supporting projects that deliver multiple benefits for people and nature. Several RMAs across Wales are funded by the Welsh Government to implement NFM measures to help communities become more resilient to flooding.

Gwent Levels: Wetlands that work

The Gwent Levels are one of Wales’ most important wetland landscapes, stretching from Cardiff to Chepstow. Restoration efforts here have:

• Reconnected over 20km of field ditches (known locally as reens) to improve water flow and reduce flood risk.

• Supported the return of rare species like the Shrill Carder Bee, Lapwing, and Water Vole, which thrive in the wetland’s rich biodiversity.

• Created natural buffers that store water during heavy rains, helping protect nearby communities from flooding.

Local groups like the Gwent Wildlife Trust and Friends of the Gwent Levels are leading the charge, combining habitat restoration with public engagement and education.

Ceredigion: Trees along the Teifi

In Ceredigion, farmers and community groups are planting trees along rivers like the Afon Teifi to:

• Stabilise riverbanks and reduce erosion during storms.

• Slow down surface runoff, helping prevent flash floods.

• Create shaded, biodiverse corridors that support otters, kingfishers, and pollinators.

Projects like the Aberteifi Otter Walk are transforming urban riverfronts into green spaces for people and wildlife, with wildflower planting, nature-based play areas, and improved access to riverside paths.

Monmouthshire: slowing the flow in the Usk catchment

Dingestow Estate (Old Lands):
At Dingestow Estate, JBA Consultants developed NFM proposals based on earlier site assessments and modelling and worked with Monmouthshire County Council to deliver the scheme. Construction was completed in September 2024, delivering:

• 14 ponds

• 4 scrapes

• 5 leaky dams

• 1 dew pond

Together, these features provide approximately 3,300 cubic metres of water storage. Early indications show the NFM measures are working as intended.

Lower Gockett Farm:
Working closely with the landowner, Monmouthshire County Council developed and delivered NFM features in two phases. Phase 1 included leaky debris dams, gully stuffing, attenuation ponds, and scrapes to intercept overland runoff. Phase 2 expanded the scheme with:

• Additional gully stuffing

• Leaky dams

• A larger leaky dam

• A timber-built lagoon to intercept runoff

The Wye Valley National Landscape hosted an NFM training and awareness event at the farm, bringing together contractors, landowners, and stakeholders for a site visit and practical demonstrations.

Want to help? Here’s how you can get involved

You don’t need to be a scientist or landowner to make a difference. Here are some easy ways to support natural flood defences:

• Plant a tree or hedge
  Even one tree can help slow down rain and support birds and insects.

• Grow wildflowers
  They improve soil, attract pollinators, and help water drain naturally.

• Create a mini wetland or pond
  Great for frogs, dragonflies and soaking up water!

• Join a local nature group
  Help restore habitats, monitor wildlife, or clean up rivers.

• Speak up for nature
  Support nature-based solutions in your community and local planning.

Nature isn’t just something to admire - it’s something that protects us. By restoring biodiversity, we’re building a stronger, safer, and greener Wales. Let’s work together to let nature do what it does best.