Communities United: How Somerset Is Fighting Floods Together
Today I spoke with GWS Local Community Radio about the remarkable community-led efforts underway to prevent floods and strengthen local preparedness.
Local groups, parish councils and Somerset Council are coming together to plan, share resources and act when river levels rise. A key facilitator is the Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) — a unique, county-wide partnership (Somerset is the only county with a Rivers Authority) that brings organisations together to plan and deliver flood prevention. The SRA is funded through council tax (about £15 per household per year on average), and around 80% of its funding goes directly into live projects. You can find out more here.
The SRA’s main aim is to give Somerset the greater flood protection and resilience that long experience has shown is necessary. For people who have been flooded — sometimes repeatedly — these measures are vital. Flooding is traumatic, and at times of high alert it’s the strength and organisation of local communities that makes a real difference.
There are many inspiring local examples. In Croscombe village, near Wells, residents have worked on river defences, set up community flood wardens, improved communications and used funding to buy a chamber that enables volunteers to maintain a 19‑centre culvert when it becomes blocked. In North Wootton, the parish council is collaborating with neighbouring parishes to explore ways of managing catchment-area risk through joined-up planning and discussion.
If you live in a flood‑risk area or want to be prepared, official guidance and alerts are available:
- Flooding information and advice: https://www.somerset.gov.uk/beaches-ports-and-flooding/flooding-information-and-advice/
- Check for flood alerts and warnings: https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/alerts-and-warnings
Community action, practical planning and the right partnerships can significantly reduce harm and disruption. If you’re involved locally and want to share what you’re doing, I’d love to hear about it.