More than 1,100 trees planted in flooding scheme

More than 1,100 trees have been planted around the Rea Brook in Shropshire as part of a flooding management scheme.

Volunteers and contractors have planted specially selected species alongside the waterway as part of a Severn Valley Water Management Scheme (SVWMS).

The Rea Brook project aims to create nature-based flood management schemes that will be able to hold back water and enhance habitat and biodiversity.

Severn Rivers Trust is delivering the scheme which will be managed by Shropshire Council.

Cecila Young from the Severn Rivers Trust said: "It's particularly vital for trees to be allowed to grow alongside rivers, the backbone of the landscape, to deliver multiple benefits.

"Trees planted along rivers and across sloping land can absorb extra water and mitigate flooding, they can intercept heavy rainfall, reducing the speed at which surface runoff reaches the river, and the underground networks created by tree roots contribute to higher infiltration rates of soils.

"Water that is absorbed into the soil recharges aquifers, rather than running into rivers and potentially causing floods."

Volunteers planted a total of 1,132 trees over three sites in the county.

John Bellis, Shropshire Council's drainage and flood risk manager, said: "The SVWMS Demonstrator Programme is delivering initiatives that will make a real difference to water management in the Upper Severn catchment area.

"It will report its data to inform the wider SVWMS strategy which seeks to develop a holistic approach to water management in the catchment, ensuring resilience for local communities and those further downstream."

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