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.
During the latest spell of exceptionally hot, dry weather, Rush Meadow Ponds at Brigstock have continued to perform well. The natural flood management scheme, created on land owned by local farmer Hugh Shrive, comprises five connected ponds designed to capture and temporarily store water within the landscape.
Despite the prolonged dry conditions, water remains within the ponds, while the surrounding vegetation is noticeably green and thriving.
It provides a great local example of how working with natural processes can help us to create landscapes that are more resilient to both ends of the weather spectrum.
Rush Meadow Ponds were created as part of RAINโs wider programme of natural flood management across the Harpers Brook catchment. By creating additional space in which water can collect and move more slowly, features such as ponds and wetlands can help to reduce the speed and volume of water travelling downstream following heavy rainfall.
But retaining more water within the landscape can also provide important benefits during periods of lower rainfall. While surrounding land becomes increasingly dry, the ponds at Rush Meadow continue to hold water. This supports the surrounding vegetation, while providing valuable habitat and a water source for wildlife when other areas may be struggling.
The contrast is a visible reminder of the wider role wetlands can play in helping our countryside adapt to a changing climate.
A recent article from The Wildlife Trusts highlights just how much water has historically been drained from the British landscape and argues that restoring wetlands and other natural features must form part of our response to hotter summers, drought and wildfire.
What we are seeing at Rush Meadow brings that national discussion to life here in Northamptonshire.
As our climate continues to change, communities are likely to experience longer dry periods alongside more intense rainfall. These challenges cannot be considered separately. Instead, we must consider how our landscape can capture water when it is plentiful, retain it for longer and release it more gradually.
No single intervention will provide the whole answer, however Rush Meadow Ponds demonstrate how natural flood management can form part of a more joined-up approach – helping to manage flood risk, support nature and build resilience to prolonged dry weather.
The scheme also highlights what can be achieved through collaboration with farmers and landowners such as Hugh, who make it possible to introduce natural flood management measures in the places where they can deliver meaningful benefits.
Sometimes the value of a flood resilience measure becomes most visible when it has hardly rained at all.
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The RAIN Project is funded by Defra as part of the ยฃ200 million Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes, which is managed by the Environment Agency. The programmes will drive innovation in flood and coastal resilience and adaptation to a changing climate.
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.
July 17, 2026
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.
July 15, 2026
Defra officials visit Brigstock
This week, we welcomed a group of flood professionals from Defra to Northamptonshire to showcase some of the work being delivered across the Harpers Brook and Wootton Brook catchments. Throughout the day, they were able to see how PFR, community preparedness and NFM are being brought together to create a more resilient future for local communities.
Weโre proud to be delivering a series of natural flood management (NFM) projects across the Wootton Brook catchment. The aim is to help reduce flood risk, improve biodiversity and work with nature to make communities more flood resilient. Here’s a brief update on what we’ve been working on:
๐ฑ Penvale Park, East Hunsbury: A series of bunds and leaky dams have been completed in partnership with East Hunsbury Parish Council. These help to hold back excess water during periods of heavy rain, reducing flood risk to nearby homes.
๐ฟ Quinton: Weโre currently developing an exciting large-scale NFM scheme that could be our largest scheme yet. The current plans focus on the creation of new wetland areas, ponds, bunds and extensive tree planting. Itโs in the feasibility stage with aspirations to break ground in 2026. We will share updates as this progresses.
๐ณUpper Catchment Forest Work: In collaboration with the Environment Agency and Forestry England, weโre planning works to slow the flow in woodland areas. This includes tree hinging, gully stuffing & โbeaver-mimickingโ features. The works will be take place over 2025 & 2026, with research currently taking place on the best approach.
๐ผHorton: Agricultural land on a farm near Horton have been transformed into species-rich grasslands to improve soil health & increase water storage in the field, improving resilience. The mix has been specifically selected to help attract birds.
๐ง๏ธ Horton: The farm is also creating wetland scrapes to hold water during storms, reducing pressure on the neighbouring brook.
๐ฒTree and Hedgerow Planting, Wootton & East Hunsbury: As part of WNCโs Tree Strategy launch, 20 large standard Elms were planted in the catchment with support from Wild about Wootton, WNC Rangers, Cllr Breese and our project team. The trees were funded and organised by RAIN. Weโve also delivered trees for Blacky More Park and hedgerow planting across the catchment, and supply trees to Grange parish.
๐SuDS in Schools: In addition to engineered NFM programmes, weโve been exploring opportunities for Sustainable Drainage Solutions using innovative planters to capture rainwater & ease pressure on local drainage networks. We have so far installed planters in six primary schools in the catchment, thanks to a partnership with Anglian Water Services, and are researching the potential of adding another in a community-based setting.
Weโre excited to be progressing these nature-based solutions and will share updates as each project moves forward.
As ever, a big thank you to our project team, partners, the parish councils, local landowners and communities for your continued support.
Want to learn more about Natural Flood Management?
To help explain what these projects involve, and how theyโre making a difference, weโve created a leaflet that gives a simple, easy-to-understand overview of our work.
Whether youโve spotted activity near your village or youโre just curious to learn more, the leaflet offers a snapshot of: ๐ฟ What Natural Flood Management is ๐ Where our key project locations are ๐ง How features like wetlands, leaky dams, re-meandering rivers and cover cropping all work to slow and store water ๐ฆ The wider environmental benefits for habitats, soil and biodiversity.
These projects form part of our catchment-wide, nature-based approach to flood resilience, working in harmony with local landowners, farmers, communities and schools
The RAIN Project is funded by Defra as part of the ยฃ200 million Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes, which is managed by the Environment Agency. The programmes will drive innovation in flood and coastal resilience and adaptation to a changing climate.
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.
July 22, 2026
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.
July 17, 2026
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.
At the RAIN Project, weโre working across Harpers Brook and Wootton Brook in Northants to deliver a series of Natural Flood Management (NFM) projects that not only help to reduce flood risk, but also bring lasting benefits to local wildlife, biodiversity and communities.
To help explain what these projects involve, and how theyโre making a difference, weโve created a leaflet that gives a simple, easy-to-understand overview of our work.
Whether youโve spotted activity near your village or youโre just curious to learn more, the leaflet offers a snapshot of: ๐ฟ What Natural Flood Management is ๐ Where our key project locations are ๐ง How features like wetlands, leaky dams, re-meandering rivers and cover cropping all work to slow and store water ๐ฆ The wider environmental benefits for habitats, soil and biodiversity.
These projects form part of our catchment-wide, nature-based approach to flood resilience, working in harmony with local landowners, farmers, communities and schools
The RAIN Project is funded by Defra as part of the ยฃ200 million Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes, which is managed by the Environment Agency. The programmes will drive innovation in flood and coastal resilience and adaptation to a changing climate.
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.
July 22, 2026
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.
July 17, 2026
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.
Our contractors, Ebsford Environmental, have now arrived onsite at Brigstock and work has started on the creation of a wetland to help improve flood resilience along Harpers Brook.
๐ง Please be aware ๐ง
๐ท Our contractors are using heavy plant and machinery.
๐ถ Access to the site remains open, although weโd appreciate it if people could avoid the area wherever possible during the works, for everyoneโs safety.
The works should take approximately two weeks. Weโll do our very best to keep access open, however some disruption may be possible at times. Please bear with us โ thank you.
The RAIN Project is funded by Defra as part of the ยฃ200 million Flood and Coastal Resilience Innovation Programmes, which is managed by the Environment Agency. The programmes will drive innovation in flood and coastal resilience and adaptation to a changing climate.
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.
July 22, 2026
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.
July 17, 2026
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.
With the Met Office issuing yellow weather warnings for thunderstorms and heavy rain across parts of the UK this weekend, thereโs an increased risk of surface water and flash flooding.
When we are deluged with heavy rain, particularly when we’ve had such dry weather, the ground is unable to quickly absorb the rain and this increases the risk of flooding.ย It can therefore happen suddenly or when you least expect it. Now is a good time to check your flood preparedness and take a few simple steps.
Make a Flood Plan
A Household Flood Plan helps you stay calm and act quickly in an emergency. There is a helpful template on our home page that you can access here: https://rainnorthants.co.uk/be-flood-ready/
Be sure to store it somewhere safe, within easy reach, and make sure everyone in your home knows where to find it – that way you can easily grab it and know what steps to take should you be concerned about flooding.
Know how to switch off gas/electricity at the mains
Move valuable documents, keepsakes and electronics upstairs or to higher shelves, or place on trestle tables
Use buckets or crates to raise furniture
Plug sinks and weigh them down to help prevent backflow
Never walk or drive through flood water: 30cm of fast-flowing water can move a car, and 15cm can knock you off your feet
Take photos of your rooms now, in case these are needed from an insurance point of view at any time in the future.
Watch & Learn
Flood resilience champion Flood Mary has created a short, practical video with some excellent flood resilience tips. You can watch it here:
Stay Informed
Follow your local news channels and weather bulletins for the latest information
Check local river or surface water levels, and talk to neighbours about any concerns
Visit www.floodmary.com for useful tips and free downloadable resources
Take a look at the BeFloodReady website for further information.
Take a few moments to get ready and if you can, check in on any vulnerable neighbours or family members too. Preparing now could save you valuable time.
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The RAIN Project is funded by Defra as part of the ยฃ200 million Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes, which is managed by the Environment Agency. The programmes will drive innovation in flood and coastal resilience and adaptation to a changing climate.
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.
July 22, 2026
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.
July 17, 2026
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.
Guest Blog from ‘Flood Mary’: Preparing for a Flood
Guest Blog kindly written by Mary Long-Dhonau OBE – www.FloodMary.com – property flood risk champion:
When a flood is imminent. We naturally want to protect our homes from the awful impact a flood can have. But what if we canโt afford to install flood barriers or doors? Or what if we are waiting for them to be installed and a flood is on its way?
The following suggestions wonโt be as good as certified barriers, but they will help reduce the amount of flood water that will get into your home.
Firstly, itโs important that if you get flooded from a river, you have signed up for a Free Environment Agency flood warning, then when you receive it, you can get going!ย https://www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings
If you are at risk of surface water flooding, do listen to weather warnings/local radio if it starts raining extremely hard. Youโll have to act quickly, so it is really important that have written a flood plan. Know what you want to move out of harms way first. Donโt forget your car. You donโt want a flooded house and a flooded car!
If you have airbricks fit wide aluminium tape over them. One large roll will cover many airbricks. It can be bought online if needed. I have recently tested this in a flood simulation tank and not a drop came through!
For any external doors, put wide waterproof aluminium tape up to about .6 metre up the doors and along the bottom of the door (if it does start to leak, leave it in place, it will be holding back a huge volume of water!) and/or using the aluminium tape, fix a large piece of plastic over the door and weigh that down. You can also cut a large piece of wood to size and using silicone sealant that โgoes off โvery quickly, you could fit this over the door openings (youโll need some solvent to remove it afterwards). This will need cutting to size in advance of any flood. You can also make wooden slots to slot the wood into and then seal it.ย This will need advance preparation and have where its stored written into your plan.
If you can invest in some large absorbent cushions (they are a bit like babiesโ nappies for giants!)ย they will help soak up any water that does come through the gaffer tape. You may be able to share the cost of a box with neighbours. They are also useful for soaking up water after the flood, as each one can absorb up to twenty litres of water.
If you have a small childโs deflated football, push that down the loo, it will help to stop any sewage coming through the drains. Failing that, fill a couple of heavy-duty rubble sacks doubled up for strength, with soil and push that down the loo. Shut the lid and use the gaffer tape to hold the lid down. Also put the gaffer tape over any downstairs shower drain, if you have one and then put something heavy on top of it.
Itโs always good to have a collection of lidded plastic boxes ready to store things in and take them upstairs.
If you live in a bungalow, use the boxes and see if a friend or relative can look after your sentimental belongings for you. (Add that to your flood plan.) Also store things on higher shelves and on top of wardrobes.
Fold your curtains over the curtain track or tie them in a big knot.
You can put four large wellington boots on the legs of your kitchen table and put the contents of your kitchen cupboards on there. (Big flower vases, plastic litter bins and even cut-off 6-pint plastic milk bottles will do the job. You can use this method for anything with legs.)
If you have any decorating trestle tables, put your sofa up on those and chairs on top.
Put bricks in plastic bags and lift furniture up onto them. If you are alone, use a plank of wood under the piece for future to help lift it up. For lighter furniture, plastic litter bins should do.
Whilst all this may sound like an awful lot of hard work, it is time and effort well spend. The average person is out of their home for around nine months after being flooded. Taking moves to reduce the amount of flood water that can get in and moving as much of your hard earnt and sentimental belongings out of harms way, can really make a huge difference.
This blog has been written for the RAIN project (Resilience and Innovation Northants)ย https://rainnorthants.co.uk/
For more information or to download free guides and resources on flood awareness, resilience and recovery, visit http://www.floodmary.comย
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.
July 22, 2026
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.
July 17, 2026
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.
Playgrounds across Northamptonshire are being transformed into living classrooms, thanks to a pioneering initiative thatโs helping schools manage flood risk and support local wildlife, all while giving pupils a hands-on educational introduction to sustainability.
Led by the Resilience and Innovation Northants (RAIN) Project, the scheme has seen the largest school installation of BioScapesยฎ Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) units in the UK to date.
In total, 32 specialist planters have been installed across seven local primary schools, helping to reduce surface water flooding, support biodiversity and provide new opportunities for outdoor learning. The participating schools are:
โข Oakley Vale Primary
โข Wootton Primary
โข Preston Hedges
โข Wootton Park School
โข Woodland View Primary
โข Brigstock Latham’s Primary
โข East Hunsbury Primary School
Jointly funded by Anglian Water and the RAIN Project, with installation by JA Kent Services and manufacturing by BioScapes, the planters are now a standout feature in school playgrounds, where theyโre already sparking curiosity among students and teachers alike.
Each planter connects directly to the schoolโs guttering, collecting rainwater during storms to reduce pressure on local drainage systems. The water is filtered through soil and planting before it enters the sewer system, helping improve water quality and reduce the risk of surface water flooding.
But these planters do much more than just manage water.
Each one also contains 10 integrated wildlife habitats: from bee hotels and hedgehog houses to amphibian refuges and hoverfly homes, creating mini ecosystems for children to observe and learn from.
โItโs been fantastic to work with so many schools who were so enthusiastic to get on board and bring these smart planters into their play areas,โ said Rickileigh Edwards, RAIN Project Support Officer, who coordinated the scheme and liaised with schools.
โItโs a great introduction for students to see what sustainable drainage can look like, and all the added benefits it brings. Huge thanks to JA Kent Services, BioScapes and Anglian Water for making it all happen and to the schools, who already have fantastic ideas for making the most of their planters!โ
At Oakley Vale Primary School, six of the planters have been fitted with specialist monitoring equipment, allowing students from the schoolโs Climate Champions group and the RAIN team to track rainfall and water capture over time, turning a drainage solution into a living science experiment.
The Climate Champions group from the school have also taken charge in planting a variety of perennials, flowers and fragrant edible goodies, such as tomatoes, herbs and lettuces.
The school also ran a school-wide competition to name the planters, with the winning suggestion coming from Travis in Y5, as voted for by the Climate Champions: โEco Aqua Plantersโ.
โThe beauty of these units is that they combine practical flood management with an opportunity to inspire learning about water, drainage, nature and climate resilience,โ adds Rickileigh.
Chris Matson from BioScapes said: โWeโre proud that this is the largest school installation of our SuDS & BNG units in the UK to date. We hope it will inspire other schools and communities to explore how nature-based solutions can tackle flood risk while also creating exciting learning opportunities and new habitats for wildlife.โ
Made from stainless steel to maximise their lifespan and filled with specialist soil designed by horticultural experts, the BioScapes SuDS units are self-contained, quick to install and ideal for sites where traditional drainage solutions arenโt possible. Ecological trials show they can increase biodiversity sevenfold within just weeks of installation.
Preston Hedges Primary SchoolOakley Vale Primary School
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The RAIN Project is funded by Defra as part of the ยฃ200 million Flood and Coastal Resilience Innovation Programmes, which is managed by the Environment Agency. The programmes will drive innovation in flood and coastal resilience and adaptation to a changing climate.
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.
July 22, 2026
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.
July 17, 2026
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.
Nominations are now open for the Flood & Toast โ Resilience and Innovation Community Awards!
Do you know someone who goes above and beyond to reduce flood risk, support neighbours, or champion nature in your community? Whether it’s a local group, a dedicated volunteer, a school or a young person, we want to celebrate them.
Flood Action Group Award โ A community group driving real change and accountability on flood risk. (Category sponsor: Resilico)
Flood Action Individual Award โ An individual who consistently shows up for their community in times of flooding. (Category sponsor: Watertight International)
Natureโs Champion Group Award โ A volunteer-led group improving flood resilience through nature. (Category sponsor: Woodland Dwelling)
Natureโs Champion Individual Award โ An individual leading hands-on environmental action. (Category sponsor: Ebsford Environmental)
Peopleโs Choice โ Open nominations for anyone admired locally; all nominees will be recognised. (Category sponsor: BioScapes)
Parish Support Award โ A parish council that goes above and beyond for their community. (Category sponsor: 3Keel)
Community Friend Award โ A neighbourly hero whose kindness makes a real difference during flood events. (Category sponsor: Nene Rivers Trust)
Flood Resilient Farmer Award โ A landowner whoโs made space for water and protected others through innovative practices. (Category sponsor: Landscape Enterprise Networks)
Young Resilience Champion โ A child or young person (aged 16 or under) making waves in flood education or natural flood management. (Category sponsor: HR Wallingford)
Climate-Resilient Schools Award (Gold, Silver, Bronze) – Celebrating schools that go above and beyond to empower their students in climate and flood resilience. Whether through eco-clubs, hands-on nature-based learning, or inspiring the next generation of green changemakers, these awards honour the schools creating lasting environmental impact in our communities. (Category sponsor: Environment Agency)
Entry deadline: Friday 3rd October 2025.
It’s really quick to nominate – just a couple of minutes of your time could really make someone’s day!
All nominees will be recognised at a special afternoon tea awards ceremony, in December, at Chester House.
Letโs shine a light on the unsung heroes of the Harpers Brook and Wootton Brook catchments in Northamptonshire!
The RAIN Project is funded by Defra as part of the ยฃ200 million Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes, which is managed by the Environment Agency. The programmes will drive innovation in flood and coastal resilience and adaptation to a changing climate.
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.
July 22, 2026
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.
July 17, 2026
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.
We have put our hard hats on as contractors have moved on to site in the Harpers Brook catchment. Our project manager Sarah Parr has today been out in the catchment with Paige and Zav from Ebsford Environmental, as work begins on creating offline storage and bunds on a local farm.
Weโre working closely with the landowner to help slow the flow of water across his land, with the aim of reducing flood risk impacts further downstream.
Further updates on our series of NFM projects will follow soon.
###
The RAIN Project is funded by Defra as part of the ยฃ200 million Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes, which is managed by the Environment Agency. The programmes will drive innovation in flood and coastal resilience and adaptation to a changing climate.
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.
July 22, 2026
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.
July 17, 2026
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.
Weโre working hard behind the scenes to help communities across West and North Northamptonshire become more flood resilient – in so many different ways.
Here’s a brief snapshot of just some of the projects we’ve been working on across Harpers Brook and Wootton Brook over recent months:
๐ณ Tree Planting Projects:
Our tree-planting drives have seen over 2,000 trees and hedgerow whips planted across the RAIN catchments! These trees play a key role in managing flood risk and boosting biodiversity – and it’s been fantastic seeing people from across the area enjoying the new trees in their open green spaces.
๐ก Rain Gardens in Bloom!
Our #JustASmallPlot RAIN Garden campaign has been well received. Residents have been creating their own RAIN gardens to reduce surface water runoff in wet weather and the pressure on our local drainage systems. Thank you to everyone who has taken part so far – another campaign will launch in the Autumn ๐ผ
๐ RAIN in Schools:
From tractors in playgrounds as part of Farmer Appreciation Week to our sand table workshops teaching local students about floods, farming, and future resilience – we’ve been enjoying involving children from across the catchments in our work. PLUS, we have an exciting project about to launch in seven schools – the details of which will be announced later this month! Education + action = long-term change!
๐๏ธ PFR Installations Moving Forward
Having appointed contractors, Watertight International, they are progressing the next stage of the Property Flood Resilience (PFR) programme. They are contacting all participating homeowners to arrange diary dates for their first visit, which will enable them to capture the specific measurements for everyone’s required PFR measures, with installations following. In addition, Watertight are currently installing PFR measures at the Harpers Court housing scheme in Brigstock, with work underway as we speak. Updates to follow.
๐ค Northants’ Nature Resilience Fund
Weโre currently developing a new scheme that invites local businesses to match-fund natural flood management and resilience projects in their communities. The scheme offers a meaningful way to give back locally, while also providing benefits for staff, for example including volunteering opportunities on live nature-based resilience projects or the chance for staff to take part in wellbeing activities – such as โforest bathingโ sessions in local woodlands. Full details will be announced soon, with outreach to local businesses planned over the coming months.
๐ณ New NFM Sites Coming Soon
This summer, weโre working on multiple Natural Flood Management projects across our catchments, including reinstating a wetland, re-wiggling a river to help slow the flow, tree planting, and the creation of bunds to better hold and slow down water during storms. We also have a fantastic multi-agency project taking place in forestry and woodlands across Northants, which uses methods like ‘tree hinging’ and ‘gully stuffing’ to slow water flow (also known as ‘beaver mimicking!’) – watch this space for individual project updates!
###
The RAIN Project is funded by Defra as part of the ยฃ200 million Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes, which is managed by the Environment Agency. The programmes will drive innovation in flood and coastal resilience and adaptation to a changing climate.
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.
July 22, 2026
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.
July 17, 2026
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.
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.
During the latest spell of exceptionally hot, dry weather, Rush Meadow Ponds at Brigstock have continued to perform well. The natural flood management scheme, created on land owned by local farmer Hugh Shrive, comprises five connected ponds designed to capture and temporarily store water within the landscape.
Despite the prolonged dry conditions, water remains within the ponds, while the surrounding vegetation is noticeably green and thriving.
It provides a great local example of how working with natural processes can help us to create landscapes that are more resilient to both ends of the weather spectrum.
Rush Meadow Ponds were created as part of RAINโs wider programme of natural flood management across the Harpers Brook catchment. By creating additional space in which water can collect and move more slowly, features such as ponds and wetlands can help to reduce the speed and volume of water travelling downstream following heavy rainfall.
But retaining more water within the landscape can also provide important benefits during periods of lower rainfall. While surrounding land becomes increasingly dry, the ponds at Rush Meadow continue to hold water. This supports the surrounding vegetation, while providing valuable habitat and a water source for wildlife when other areas may be struggling.
The contrast is a visible reminder of the wider role wetlands can play in helping our countryside adapt to a changing climate.
A recent article from The Wildlife Trusts highlights just how much water has historically been drained from the British landscape and argues that restoring wetlands and other natural features must form part of our response to hotter summers, drought and wildfire.
What we are seeing at Rush Meadow brings that national discussion to life here in Northamptonshire.
As our climate continues to change, communities are likely to experience longer dry periods alongside more intense rainfall. These challenges cannot be considered separately. Instead, we must consider how our landscape can capture water when it is plentiful, retain it for longer and release it more gradually.
No single intervention will provide the whole answer, however Rush Meadow Ponds demonstrate how natural flood management can form part of a more joined-up approach – helping to manage flood risk, support nature and build resilience to prolonged dry weather.
The scheme also highlights what can be achieved through collaboration with farmers and landowners such as Hugh, who make it possible to introduce natural flood management measures in the places where they can deliver meaningful benefits.
Sometimes the value of a flood resilience measure becomes most visible when it has hardly rained at all.