News
Behind the Scenes at the RAIN Project
Recent flooding caused by Storm Bert has sadly impacted a number of homes across the Harpers Brook and Wootton Brook catchments. We understand how difficult this has been for those affected, and want to provide reassurance about the work that has been happening behind the scenes here at the RAIN Project, as we continue to progress many measures to help enhance future flood resilience in these catchment areas:
- Property Flood Resilience: Moving to the Installation Phase
Having now surveyed over 100 homes in Harpers Brook and Wootton Brook, we can confirm that the Property Flood Resilience (PFR) scheme is now moving into the installation phase. This critical stage involves onboarding specialist contractors and preparing eligible households for the installation of fully-funded resilience measures, which are worth an average of ยฃ7,500 to ยฃ10,000 per property.
There is still time for remaining households to sign-up and receive a household survey, and be part of our project.ย If youโve received a final call letter and would like to take part, please email us as soon as possible (rain@westnorthants.gov.uk).
Otherwise, all participating households will hear from us soon with details on next steps and the timelines for the installation phase.
- Natural Flood Management (NFM): Progress Across Catchments
Weโve also made significant strides with our NFM projects. Key highlights include:
– Penvale Park, East Hunsbury: Interventions like bunds, leaky dams, and drainage improvements have already shown success in managing flooding at this public open space.
– Grange Park, Wootton Brook: Over 600 trees were planted at Grange Park, enhancing both flood resilience and local biodiversity.
– Chase Park Farm, Horton: Landscape management improvements have transformed arable land into species-rich grassland, while new leaky dams and wetland scrapes have been introduced to slow water flow, enhance flood resilience, and create diverse habitats for wildlife.
– Oakley Vale, Corby: A โTiny Forestโ with 750 trees was planted, engaging community members and strengthening resilience to surface water flood risks.
– Brigstock Wetlands, Harpers Brook: Plans are currently advancing for a significant two-hectare wetland scheme north of Brigstock, in partnership with a local landowner, which will include leaky dams and habitat restoration, and will help to โslow the flowโ of the Brook in times of heavy rain.
We extend our sincere thanks to our dedicated project partners, parish councils and local landowners who have been instrumental in making these initiatives possible.
- Supporting Communities: Parish Councils and Flood Planning
We are currently collaborating with Parish Councils to develop Emergency Flood Plans for each community in the two catchments, as well as equip each parish with Flood Stores, which will include essential tools and equipment for use by the community, to support vulnerable properties.
- Flood Preparedness & Resilience Resources
Resources on flood preparedness, including guides for creating flood plans and emergency response tips, videos on flood readiness, and articles explaining what to do on receiving flood alerts or warnings are readily available on our website and social media pages.
We have also created interactive map portals for both catchments, which are available for residents to access, review and add comments.
- Looking Ahead
We understand how important it is to keep everyone informed. To support this, we will issue monthly updates on our website and social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, X and SitePodium), and will also share these with Parish Councils so they too can share through their preferred channels.
As a small but dedicated team, we are open to your questions or feedback regarding local updates. We are here to work with you, and therefore ask that if youโd like to ask any questions, to email us at RAIN@westnorthants.gov.uk, including your phone number, and weโll gladly call you back to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you for your patience, feedback and ongoing support.
More News Articles
What Rush Meadow Ponds can teach us about resilience in dry weather
Wetlands are often discussed in relation to flooding: their ability to hold water within the landscape, slow its flow and reduce the pressure placed on communities downstream, however, their value does not disappear when the rain stops.
Defra visits Northants to see holistic flood resilience in action
Senior representatives from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) have visited Brigstock in Northamptonshire to see first-hand how a holistic approach to flood resilience is helping communities become better prepared for future flooding.
The RAIN Flood Resilience ‘Jigsaw’
Flood resilience isn’t achieved through a single solution. Instead, it is built by bringing together a range of complementary approaches that work together, much like the pieces of a jigsaw.
Working in collaboration with
