Brimfield Brook Natural Flood Management Scheme
Working with landowners to slow the flow in north Herefordshire
The current Brimfield Brook Natural Flood Management scheme began in autumn 2023 and runs until spring 2027. Funded by Herefordshire Council and delivered by Severn Rivers Trust, the project is helping farmers and landowners across the Brimfield Brook catchment to make practical land management changes that reduce flood risk, improve soils and create better habitats for wildlife.
Brimfield Brook flows through a largely rural landscape in north Herefordshire before joining the River Teme and, further downstream, the River Severn. Its villages, including Orleton and Brimfield, are no strangers to flooding. After the heavy storms of 2024 caused widespread disruption, including a mudslide that cut off a cul-de-sac in Orleton, this work is bringing long-term, nature-based solutions to the heart of the catchment.
What we are doing
Severn Rivers Trust is working with local landowners to design and deliver measures that help the land hold water naturally. Our catchment advisors carry out farm walkovers, soil testing and habitat surveys to identify the best opportunities for slowing the flow.
During one of our surveys at Waterloo Farm, we made an exciting discovery: a small breeding population of white-clawed crayfish, the UK’s only native crayfish and a species that has disappeared from much of England. Working closely with the Environment Agency, we adapted the design of the woody dams to protect and enhance the habitat for these endangered species, while still achieving flood management benefits.
These natural features are now helping to reduce flooding downstream while creating shelter and organic material for the crayfish and the invertebrates they feed on in their juvenile life-stage.
Why it matters
Natural flood management is all about working with the landscape rather than against it. By storing more water in fields, woodlands and wetlands, these measures take the pressure off villages like Orleton and Brimfield while also improving soil health, water quality and biodiversity.
It’s a simple idea with lasting benefits. When rain falls, water is held back in the upper catchment instead of racing straight into the river system. Over time, this helps protect homes, supports farm businesses and creates new opportunities for wildlife to thrive.
Achievements so far
- Community drop-in event and door-to-door engagement across the catchment
- 8 farm walkovers completed with 40 individual recommendations made
- 4 farms funded through Herefordshire Council’s NFM Construction Grant
- 250 metres of leaky woody dams and 50 hectares of improved land management in place
Voices from the project
‘Natural Flood Management is a holistic way to bring together landowners, eNGOs, councils and local communities to store more water in the landscape in a way that can improve farm functioning, enhance natural spaces, and reduce flood risk. Knowing we have a stronghold for our native, White-clawed Crayfish here is great news for this catchment too.’
Jacob Loughran, Catchment Restoration Officer, Severn Rivers Trust
Looking ahead
Over the next two years, Severn Rivers Trust will keep working with landowners to identify and deliver new flood management features across the Brimfield Brook catchment.
Each new project adds to a growing network of natural defences, building a landscape that is better prepared for heavy rainfall and more resilient to the changing climate.
You can read more about the project by visiting Herefordshire Council’s project page here.
