Leicester natural flood prevention scheme gets £834k boost

Trust volunteers will help create natural flood defences in the city

A charity is to use an £834,000 grant to develop natural flood defences in Leicester.

The Trent Rivers Trust said it would use the money, from the Environment Agency, to protect homes and businesses in the eastern side of the city.

Proposed natural flood defences include creating new ponds, wetlands and tree planting.

The measures will slow waterflow through brooks leading into the River Soar, the charity said.

Dr Jon Lewis, data, evidence and project manager at Trent Rivers Trust, said: "We know that flooding can have a major impact on homes and businesses.

"We work to create natural features such as ponds upstream of where problems can occur - this is called natural flood management.

"The natural features we create can temporarily store water upstream of properties at flood risk."

Wetlands will be created around the Willow Brook area

Dr Lewis added: "Some of this work will take place outside the city boundaries, but will have a positive impact in the city.

"Measures will include an introduction and expansion of wetlands, a boost in tree planting and other natural means to provide additional storage for rainwater.

"This will allow water to percolate into the ground or slowly flow into the watercourse once peak flows have passed at times of heavy rainfall.

"It also means we will enhance green spaces within the city for the community, and introduce new and improved habitat for wildlife."

The trust is working with Leicester City Council on the project which will focus on the Willow Brook, which flows into the River Soar, and the Bushby, Thurnby and Evington brooks.