A new company has been set up to help manage natural flood prevention measures on the River Aire to help reduce the risk of flooding for Leeds and surrounding communities.
Leaders from businesses and institutions across Yorkshire this week gathered to mark the launch of the Aire Resilience Company (ARC), a new Community Interest Company facilitating the delivery of long-term natural flood management interventions in the Aire Valley.
ARC was created through a collaboration between Leeds City Council, Yorkshire Water, the Environment Agency and the Rivers Trust as a direct response to the threat of climate change and increasing flood risk.
It will focus on delivering upstream interventions that work with nature to slow the flow of water, reduce pressure on Leeds’ existing flood defences, and bring wider environmental benefits to communities across Leeds and the Aire Valley.
By establishing a long-term, sustainable model for funding and maintenance, ARC will ensure these natural interventions continue to protect communities for many decades.
ARC’s work will complement and enhance the recently completed £200million Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme which protects the city and surrounding areas from extreme flooding as experienced following Storm Eva at Christmas 2015.
The Leeds Natural Flood Management project, delivered by the Environment Agency in partnership with a wide range of organisations, is an integral part of this scheme. This programme has an ambition to provide climate change resilience to the scheme by providing a 5% reduction in peak flows on the River Aire in Leeds up to 2069.
Interventions include creatingwoodlands, wetlands, soil restoration, and other interventions designed to slow and hold water upstream, protecting communities downstream. These nature-based solutions also enhance biodiversity and improve water quality, contributing to a healthier and more resilient environment for both people and wildlife.
ARC receives funding through a consortium of local businesses who recognise the importance of acting now to prevent the impacts of climate change.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport, and sustainable development, said: “By supporting nature-based solutions alongside our major flood defence schemes, we are not only strengthening flood resilience but also contributing to our wider environmental and net zero ambitions.
“This collaborative approach will help ensure that Leeds remains a safe, sustainable, and thriving place for generations to come.”
Leeds suffered major flooding on Boxing Day 2015, when Storm Eva led to the River Aire breaking its banks, leading to flooding throughout the Kirkstall valley.
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