Engaging rural communities in flood resilience
We want to understand what is important to farmers and rural communities. We want them to be involved in planning, developing and delivering rural flood resilience.
Strategic outcomes:
Rural communities understand local flood and coastal change risks and have the resources to help mitigate them.
Rural communities are heard and involved when planning, developing and delivering resilience to flooding and coastal change.
| We want to see | What we will do | When from | Who will lead the work |
|---|---|---|---|
| This Partnership focusing on the most practical actions to improve rural flood resilience. The rural voice routinely presented in discussion and decision making on flood resilience. Easier access to support, resources and evidence for people representing rural flood resilience matters at local and national levels. |
Establish a partnership subgroup at which policy matters e.g. maintenance spending, the valuing of agricultural land and flood storage payments can be discussed and potential solutions recommended to Government departments including Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. | 2024 | ADA, NFU, CLA, ACRE |
| Put forward and encourage the inclusion of speakers with a rural flood resilience focus at important events for farming, rural communities, and people working in FCERM. | 2025 | All Partners | |
| Promote the inclusion of rural portfolio on bodies overseeing FCERM funding and delivery such as Regional Flood and Coastal Committees and provide support to the individuals fulfilling those roles. Provide guidance, training and support to farmers and rural communities becoming representatives on internal drainage boards and Regional Flood and Coastal Committees. | 2024 | NFU and ADA | |
| The Partnership will host a shared digital space for rural communities and businesses and those working with them to access information relevant to rural flood resilience. | 2025 | All Partners | |
| A forum for people working to promote flood resilience in rural communities to learn from others and share best practice. | Form a national ‘community of practice’ for Action with Communities in Rural England staff working with rural communities on flood resilience so that best practice and successes can be shared and promoted. | 2024 | ACRE |
| A wider involvement of farmers and rural communities in planning for, responding to and recovering from flood incidents. | Explore how rural sector partners can help rural communities work better with Local Resilience Forums in planning for, responding to and recovering from flood incidents. | 2025 | EA, NFU and ACRE |