Slow The Flow, a national educational charity focused on using nature-based solutions to reduce flood risk, has now visited the Houses of Parliament for the second year in a row. The aim of these visits is simple: to engage MPs in conversations about how working with nature can complement traditional flood alleviation methods – while also delivering wider environmental and social benefits.
This summer, we returned to Parliament to meet newly elected MPs, many of whom had experience with flooding in their constituencies. We were encouraged by their impressive level of knowledge and interest in NFM, which led to meaningful discussions with MPs and Ministers around our 5 Key Messages:
- Rebalancing of the funding formula for nature based solutions. It is a cost-effective approach that provides value for money. Currently the funding model is balanced in favour of hard-engineering solutions, with only a tiny proportion of funding going to NFM and NBS.
- All planning developments should include Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) to manage water at a local level. This is already adopted and implemented in Wales but not elsewhere in the UK.
- Education is crucial for long-term understanding and success. NFM and SuDS should be included in the primary school curriculum.
- Green skills and expertise are necessary for the development of NFM. These roles and professions should be prioritised if we are going to build upon the knowledge and benefits of NFM. All local authorities should have NFM officers to manage projects on a local level.
- NFM and SuDS have a positive impact on Combined Sewer Outfalls, and the automatic right to combined sewer connection should be removed.
You can read the full story on Yorkshire Bylines here: https://yorkshirebylines.co.uk/region/influencing-the-legislators-in-2025/