FW investigates: To dredge or not to dredge?

For the first part of a new video series, called FW Investigates, Farmers Weekly visited mixed farmer Tim Gue, whose farm in Steyning has suffered more regular episodes of flooding in recent years, in particular the past two which have seen extensive flooding for months at a time.
In contrast, the Wildlife Trusts believes widespread dredging can cause damage to wildlife habitats and make flooding worse in some communities.
Instead, it says greater focus should be placed on natural flood management measures to slow the flow of water, including tree planting, creating and restoring ponds and wetlands, and steps taken to enhance soils and reduce compaction so they hold more water.
Read more: www.fwi.co.uk/news/environmen...

[@naturestimeline]

Fascinating interviews, well done. Pleasing to hear such open-minded opinions on how dredging can be beneficial as well as arguably detrimental in other situations. Doing nothing should no longer be an option while farmers’ livelihoods, households and businesses are constantly suffering. Positive news on the choice of SFI options considering water management of late will hopefully trigger many more farmers to undertake routine ditch maintenance on their farms. Best wishes, Tony.

[@eliakimjosephsophia4542]

Far too many new developments of housing on flood plains, cover the land with concrete, where can the water flow? They've had the same issues in Greece.

[@lukeschofield8352]

Even on a smaller scale: gardens being paved over for driveways, fake grass in gardens. It all contributes to surface runoff and flooding.

[@eliakimjosephsophia4542]

Yes, agreed. @@lukeschofield8352

[@jonathancollard3710]

I’m inclined to give more weight to the farmer with 35 years knowledge of his land as opposed to some “research analyst” that did geography at university 5 years ago…. 🤔