RFRP Action Progress Update
This update provides an overview of the progress the Rural Flood Resilience Partnership (RFRP) is making on key actions to strengthen flood resilience in rural communities. Our aim is to keep stakeholders informed about ongoing work and upcoming milestones as we deliver practical solutions and build knowledge to support rural areas.
What do we mean by flood resilience?
Flood resilience is the ability of individuals, communities, businesses, and infrastructure to anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from flooding events. It goes beyond protection—it’s about adapting and reducing vulnerability so that rural communities can continue to thrive despite flood risks.
Progress on Delivering Actions
Theme – Evidence to Drive the Right Activity
We want future decision-making on rural flood resilience to be informed by the best available evidence. To support this, we are combining scientific research with the experiences of farmers, landowners, and rural communities.
The Partnership is reviewing existing research to better understand flooding and coastal erosion in a rural context. We are also conducting surveys to gather feedback from farmers, rural communities, and FCRM professionals to understand their flood resilience needs. This evidence will shape our future work to strengthen rural flood resilience.
Case Study 1: Growing an Evidence Base on Rural Flooding
This research project aims to support effective flood and coastal erosion risk management in rural contexts. There is limited understanding of what rural resilience looks like in practice. Certain characteristics unique to rural areas influence flooding impacts and how communities can become more resilient.
Working with Harper Adams University, we will identify usable evidence to inform future decision-making. The outputs will act as a resource for future work. Findings are expected in early 2027.
Theme – Engaging Rural Communities in Flood Resilience
We are supporting rural communities to shape their own future flood resilience.
Through the Partnership’s network we are promoting opportunities to become the rural “voice” as members of Regional Flood and Coastal Committees and to support local decision making on matters relating to flood resilience.
The Partnership is also launching this website to host and signpost flood resilience information relevant to rural communities.
Case Study 2: Community of Practice for Rural Representatives
Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE), the national charity for rural communities, is engaging with rural areas across the country to promote flood resilience. To enable learning and knowledge-sharing, ACRE has established a national ‘community of practice’ for representatives from the ACRE Network, which is made up of 37 member charities that enable local action and unlock resources for rural communities across England. This forum supports people working in rural communities to share best practice and strengthen flood resilience. The group is also exploring tools and information that would help action on the ground and improve collaboration with Local Resilience Forums.
Theme – Access to Quality Support
We are helping rural communities bolster their flood resilience by improving access to existing information and producing new guidance.
We have created signposting documents for flood preparedness and recovery to make it easier for rural communities, farmers, and landowners to access support.
Case Study 3: Guidance to Increase Flood Resilience for Farm Buildings
We have commissioned guidance for farmers on actions to increase flood resilience for their buildings. This includes:
Property Flood Resilience (PFR) measures such as flood gates and pumps.
Temporary barriers to divert water.
Recommendations for better preparedness.
This guidance, informed by farm visits and existing best practice, will be available in Spring 2026.
Building rural flood resilience is a shared responsibility that requires evidence, engagement, and access to quality support. Through research, collaboration, and practical guidance, the RFRP is helping rural communities prepare for and adapt to flooding and coastal change. We will continue to share updates as projects progress and new resources become available. Together, we can create a future where rural communities are better equipped to withstand and recover from flood events.