Timber dam built by Luke Neal in Shropshire, England. \ Luke Neal
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Features in fields and rivers developed by hydrologists and farmers can slow down water flows and reduce the risk of flooding, Luke Neal of the Shropshire Wildlife Trust said. He was visiting Dublin last week to present his work to TDs and to a public meeting organised by MEP Lynn Boylan. Met Éireann studies show that the risk of flooding will increase with climate change.
Bunds in fields, soil aerating, planting of trees and any measures adding roughness to the ground across the flow of water can be helpful. “This is not about flooding farmland permanently,” Luke said. “There are so many tools that you can meet the needs of farmers, landowners and businesses operating in the area.”
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Timber dams
While people’s instinct is usually to clear rivers and ease the flow, he has been promoting the construction of partial timber dams on smaller watercourses upstream from the main rivers to slow down the water before it reaches areas prone to flooding. “My bread and butter is chucking logs into water,” he said.
Timber dam built by Luke Neal in Shropshire, England. \ Luke Neal
Rivers equipped with up to 150 small structures show promising results in initial feedback from residents along rivers. A full study is under way to measure their impact scientifically.
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Features in fields and rivers developed by hydrologists and farmers can slow down water flows and reduce the risk of flooding, Luke Neal of the Shropshire Wildlife Trust said. He was visiting Dublin last week to present his work to TDs and to a public meeting organised by MEP Lynn Boylan. Met Éireann studies show that the risk of flooding will increase with climate change.
Bunds in fields, soil aerating, planting of trees and any measures adding roughness to the ground across the flow of water can be helpful. “This is not about flooding farmland permanently,” Luke said. “There are so many tools that you can meet the needs of farmers, landowners and businesses operating in the area.”
Timber dams
While people’s instinct is usually to clear rivers and ease the flow, he has been promoting the construction of partial timber dams on smaller watercourses upstream from the main rivers to slow down the water before it reaches areas prone to flooding. “My bread and butter is chucking logs into water,” he said.
Timber dam built by Luke Neal in Shropshire, England. \ Luke Neal
Rivers equipped with up to 150 small structures show promising results in initial feedback from residents along rivers. A full study is under way to measure their impact scientifically.
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