To what degree can Natural Flood Management truly be considered ‘natural’?

Student thesis: Master's ThesisMaster of Science by Research

Abstract

Natural Flood Management (NFM) is a strategy that aims to reduce flood risk by working with natural catchment features and processes. This study analyses the concept of NFM, by focusing on its definition and by exploring what is meant by the word ‘natural’ in the context of environmental restoration. A mixed-methods approach was adopted through the use of GIS mapping, palaeoenvironmental reconstruction and semi-structured interviews to assess the extent to which four selected NFM sites in the UK can truly be considered ‘natural’. The analysis showed that due to the differing definitions of NFM in common usage, it was not possible to declare an NFM site as being completely ‘natural’; however, the long-term environmental data demonstrated that Pott Shrigley and Crompton Moor were more ‘natural’ than Coalburn and Glenderamackin. Interviews with NFM industry professionals evidenced that flood management related nomenclature can be a point of confusion, and further highlighted the need for all stakeholders to have shared expectations of what an NFM project will bring. This study also illustrates how NFM may evolve with future climate projections, and therefore questions the extent to which ‘Natural’ Flood Management is the most suitable term to describe it
Date of AwardFeb 2024
Original languageEnglish
Awarding Institution
  • Coventry University
SupervisorMichelle Farrell (Supervisor), Craig Lashford (Supervisor) & Jana Fried (Supervisor)

Keywords

  • Natural Flood Management
  • Tree planting
  • Flooding
  • Nature-based Solutions
  • Working with Natural Processes

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