.Dr Therese Coffey.M P Parliamentary Under Secretary of State •Department for Environment Nobel House T 03459 335577 17 Smith Square [email protected] Food &Rural Affairs SW1 P 3JR www.gov.uk/defra

Neil Parish MP House of Commons 2_ March 2017 London SW1A OAA

I am writing in response to your letter of 22 February about concerns raised by Cumbrian Flood Action Groups with the EFRA Committee that the and other Government bodies are not appropriately engaging with, and drawing on the expertise of, Flood Action Groups.

The Environment Agency works closely with local Flood Action Groups. Suggestions for improvement are always welcome though, without' more detail, it is difficult to set the most appropriate course. The Environment Agency helped form the Floods Partnership immediately after the floods of 2015-16 to develop whole-river catchment plans for all the affected communities. The first draft of the Cumbria Floods Action Plan, published at the end of June 2016, set out our long-term plans forfuture flood risk management after consulting over 100 communities across Cumbria. This was developed with the involvement of local Flood Action Groups and members of the community and draws on their local knowledge and experience. Overleaf, I have set out progress on this Plan.

In addition there are 35 Community Action Tables wh_ich set out the actions taken in each individual community within Cumbria. I have enclosed a document which summarises the Environment Agency's community engagement in Cumbria. The feedback from communities combined with the findings of the Flood Investigation Reports and community intelligence have led to the development of options to reduce flood risk.

These options will cover natural flood management; flood storage; building permanent raised defences; improving the flow of water down river channels (which we refer to as 'conveyance'); and community resilience. The options are divided by community and consider how we can reduce flood risk along the whole length of catchment.

The Environment Agency is ready to share these options with local communities and gather feedback during May and June at a series of drop-in sessions at larger towns, and Flood Action Group meetings at smaller locations. People will also be able to view the options and p1v~ dback ~ n~ 11.J,-/- ~~ /A,{J..__ ~~ ;;fJttv.1~ ~· ~~ ,·~ . '1~ / Fo~~SE COFFEY MP Scope Type Cumbria Action Plan - Actions Status at February 2017 Ref RAG

Cumbria Strengthening 1 Assess the vulnerability of key infrastructure* to future flooding A Temporary measures are in place for this winter with permanent solutions wide defences – to improve events, and take action to reduce the risk. * Roads, railways, being programmed. See page 22 of the "National Resilience Review" flood defences, power supplies, water supplies, telecommunications, gas, sewage roads, bridges and treatment works and bridges. other infrastructure 2 Review the role that bridges play in flood risk and their A Cumbria County Council are including this in their 3 year programme. we will: vulnerability during a flood. Where bridges act to increase flood risk seek funding to reduce this risk. 3 Identify where we can best protect communities by extending the G Completed: The Environment Agency are currently investigating the feasibility use of additional national mobile flood defences ready for winter of providing flood protection to communities through the use of temporary 2016. defences. They have a programme of investigations which includes producing short form maps that identify whether temporary defences are a possible solution, and detailed plans which are produced once they are confident that temporary barriers can be deployed successfully.

4 Extend the review of provision of temporary flood barriers to all A Cumbria Strategic Infrastructure Group being formed with support of Cumbria water supply assets serving more than 5,000 people. LEP & CCC Local Transport Board. All Infrastructure providers will be invited to 5 Work with Defra and WaterUK to provide temporary flood barriers A Temporary measures are in place for this winter with permanent solutions for all treatment works at risk of flooding and serving more than being programmed. See page 22 of the "National Resilience Review" 25,000 people. Liaise with suppliers to design and procure the most appropriate schemes. 6 Identify where we can best protect communities by extending the G Completed: Nationally the Environment Agency have 250 pumps available use of 250 national mobile pumps before/during flood incidents. which can by deployed as and when required. They are identifying locations which would benefit from pumping operations and producing appropriate plans.

7 Share modelling and performance data to better understand links A This is being pursued through the "Making Space for Water" working group between rivers and sewerage systems, and develop common under the Strategic Partnership. ways of managing flooding. Upstream 8 Identify further land management opportunities and locations for A A range of NFM options have been presented by the EA and their partners management – to help natural flood management projects by working with landowners, through a variety of forums and events. This is an ongoing opportunity with manage the commoners, and the farming communities to use their knowledge communities which will be taken forward by the Cumbria Strategic Flood landscape in a way of the catchments. These will include; soil aeration, bunds, leaky Partnership and the Catchment Management Groups. that reduces impacts dams, woodland creation, woodland management and river downstream we will: restoration. Cumbria wide

Upstream management – to help manage the landscape in a way that reduces impacts downstream we will: 9 Identify 3 sub-catchments for intensive natural flood management A A range of NFM options have been presented by the EA and their partners development. Use these to test a range of approaches and through a variety of forums and events. This is an ongoing opportunity with improve the evidence needed future for expansion across communities which will be taken forward by the Cumbria Strategic Flood 10 Identify locations where woodland creation and changes in A A range of NFM options have been presented by the EA and their partners woodland management will reduce flood risk. through a variety of forums and events. This is an ongoing opportunity with 11 Identify target areas where woodland creation and changes in A Acommun range ofities NFM w hich options w ill b have e ta ke been n f orwa presented rd b y t h eby Cu the m briEA a andS trateg their ic partnersFl oo d woodland management could reduce flood risk within the four pilot through a variety of forums and events. This is an ongoing opportunity with catchments of Stockdalewath, and Glenridding, communities which will be taken forward by the Cumbria Strategic Flood Staveley and Braithwaite. Partnership and the Catchment Management Groups. 12 Undertake projects such as weir removal, re-meandering channels A A range of NFM options have been presented by the EA and their partners and re-connectiong rivers to the natural flood plain across through a variety of forums and events. This is an ongoing opportunity with Cumbria beyond 2016 as part of the Cumbria River Restoration communities which will be taken forward by the Cumbria Strategic Flood 13 Survey six high-priority peatland sites and secure funding to A A range of NFM options have been presented by the EA and their partners restore 350 hectares of peatland to hold water upstream for longer. through a variety of forums and events. This is an ongoing opportunity with 14 Apply the learning from the European LIFE Integrated Project to A Learning from LIFE project will be applied to the identification of opportunities enable all issues on a river catchment to be considered and options appraisal collectively. 15 Increase the uptake of natural flood management measures A A range of NFM options have been presented by the EA and their partners through schemes such as Countryside Stewardship and through a variety of forums and events. This is an ongoing opportunity with Catchment Sensitive Farming as part of an integrated approach to communities which will be taken forward by the Cumbria Strategic Flood managing catchment. Partnership and the Catchment Management Groups. 16 Update Catchment Sensitive Farming proposals (including new A A range of NFM options have been presented by the EA and their partners Farm Advice Framework contracts) to include natural flood through a variety of forums and events. This is an ongoing opportunity with management advice. communities which will be taken forward by the Cumbria Strategic Flood 17 Run a bidding round for the Countryside Stewardship facilitation A Facilitation fund bids have been entered by Natural England, this opportunity fund, targeted at flood risk areas. This will build on existing farmer closes on 15/2/17 engagement and encourage farmer collaboration with natural flood risk management measures. 18 Review understanding of surface water management across the A The Environment Agency are working with Cumbria County Council and district county to ensure appropriate actions and investments. authorities to review SFRAs and identify needs. It is part of the "Making Space for Water" group under the Cumbria Strategic Flood Partnership.

19 Identify further locations for building flood storage basins and/or A The Environment Agency are working with United Utilities and this is part of an improving storage of flood water upstream of communities. options assessment within the Flood and Coastal Risk Management Investment Programme projects. Initial appraisal options will be presented to 20 Use the Regional Flood and Coastal Committee Slow the Flow A A range of NFM options have been presented by the EA and their partners project to work with a range of partners to enable the development through a variety of forums and events. This is an ongoing opportunity with of natural flood management schemes across the Eden, Derwent communities which will be taken forward by the Cumbria Strategic Flood and Leven and Kent catchments. Partnership and the Catchment Management Groups. 21 Maintain and repair upland footpaths to reduce erosion and A This has been incorporated within the Lake District National Park plans for sediment and surface water runoff, improve visual impacts and footpath repair and creation. It is dependent on funding biodiversity. 22 Promote the Charter for Collaborative Actions on Natural Flood G Completed: This approach was promoted by the Environment Agency at Management (instigated by the Foundation for Common Land and Partnership meetings and may go forward into Catchment Groups the Federation of Cumbrian Commoners) and follow its principles of collaborative working in the creation of upstream management. Cumbria wide

Maintenance – to 23 Repair the 159 flood defences, embankments, gauging stations, G Completed: The majority of the flood defence asset repairs have been keep flood defences, pumping stations and other assets damaged by Storm Desmond. completed. See National reporting. rivers, bridges, roads and other infrastructure in good working order we will: 24 Repair bridges and highways damaged by Storm Desmond. A Repairs are being carried out by Cumbria County Council under a 3 year prioritised programme. 25 Repair footpaths and footbridges damaged by Storm Desmond. A Repairs are being carried out by Cumbria County Council under a 3 year prioritised programme where appropriate. District authorities and the Lake District National Park Authority bidding for funding for other items.

26 Inspect, repair and return to full operation all company assets G The oustanding outfall repair is scheduled to be completed by the end of damaged by Storm Desmond such as reservoirs, culverts and September 2017. treatment works. 27 Improve the published maintenance programme to make it easier A This is part of a national programme. Improved service will come online in 2017. for communities to find out what and where maintenance is 28 Support local communities, landowners / occupiers to carry out A The relevant teams at the Environment Agency are working to develop maintenance works legally. appropriate permitting arrangements.

29 Identify further options for improving the flow of water at bridge A To date the Environment Agency have removed in excess of 120,000 tonnes of crossings and pinch points, including reviewing gravel removal gravel - the equivalent of 66 miles of wagons parked nose to tail. where appropriate. Assess the environmental impact of any gravel removal. 30 Remove 70,000 tonnes of gravel and debris deposited by winter G Completed: To date the Environment Agency have removed in excess of storms from local rivers and streams. 120,000 tonnes of gravel - the equivalent of 66 miles of wagons parked nose to tail. 31 Make changes to how we maintain rivers and flood defences A Geomorpological surveys have been commissioned within a prioritised based on a better understanding of the dramatic changes in programme. This will inform future maintenance and improvement proposals. geography and landslips that occurred during Storm Desmond. The EA have also linked up with a network of Geomorphology academics who Assess the impacts on the environment of any maintenance are involved in pioneering research as part of the Knowledge Sharing process Resilience – to help 32 Establishchanges we a network make. for community flood action groups and G Completed: An active network has been established - the "Local Resilience communities and community action groups across the county so they can better Forum Community Resilience Network Group" (LRFCRNG). The last meeting businesses get back help communities prepare, respond and recover. was held 28th Sept with membershiop growing. There has been a successful on their feet as lottery bid and it has been additionally resourced to encourage community quickly as possible resilience across Cumbria led by Action with Communities in Cumbria & after a flood we will: Cumbria CVS 33 Meet with the community and flood action group network once a G Completed: The Local Resilience Forum Community Resilience Network Group year to assess how effectively and efficiently the emergency will hold a bi-annual conference (due in 2017) The same group look after the response agencies and communities are working together. community network and are continually engaged with the Environment Agency.

34 Recruit more flood action group or community action group A This is an on-going activity with a network of groups sharing ideas on how to volunteers who live outside the areas at risk of flooding. strengthen membership and share the load (all agencies). The Local Resilience Forum Community Resilience Network Group are co-ordinating the Community Action Groups Cumbria wide

Resilience – to help communities and businesses get back on their feet as quickly as possible after a flood we will:

35 Develop multi agency flood plans to ensure organisations and G Completed: This is an on-going activity. Community emergency plans and the local communities are ready for Winter 2016. community plan validation is co-ordinated by the Local Resilience Forum Community Resilience Network Group. Cumbria Community Messaging is used to store community energency plans & every 6 months Cumbria Police email the co-ordinators to update their plans. A tracker is being shared as part of planning for winter to identify where the strengths and weaknesses in coverage exist.

36 Update strategic flood risk assessments (local councils' A This is dependent on updated fluvial modelling but the agreed way forward is documents which represent their understanding of flood risk being prompted by the Environment Agency Partnership & Strategic Overview across their district) by using the latest knowledge and data team. Allerdale BC, Copeland BC, South Lakeland BC and the Lake District following Storm Desmond. NPA have jointly commissioned JBA to produce a joint Level 1 SFRA. A draft of the SFRA is due in March 2017. Any of the LPAs requiring a Level 2 SFRA will be able to commission JBA to do this under the same agreement. The Environment Agency planning teams are represented on the project board and are liaising internally to provide updates on the modelling availability. The Local Planning Authorities involved are reasonably flexible with their timescales and the Environment Agency are encouraging them to wait for the new models. The other Cumbrian Local Planning Authorities have either recently produced a SFRA and were not significantly affected by Storm Desmond (Barrow BC), or their Local Plans had been submitted to the Planning Inspector for Examination so there was no opportunity to review the SFRA ( CC and Eden DC). Carlisle City Council are committed to producing a SFRA for the South Carlisle masterplan area and the Environment Agency will be working with them on this.

37 Update long term spatial plans (which are used to decide where A This is dependent on updated fluvial modelling but the agreed way forward is housing and other building works can take place) in response to being prompted by the the Environment Agency Sustainable Places team and Storm Desmond. Planning network. The 4 Local Planning Authorities undertaking the joint SFRA are currently updating and reviewing their Local Plans. Timescales are varied but the Environment Agency are working with them to provide information, support for policy development and encouraging them to take a catchment approach, e.g. looking at the potential effects of development / site protection on sites downstream and / or outside their district. Carlisle City Council’s Local Plan was adopted in on 8 November 2016 and Eden DC’s Local Plan is in Examination so there is no opportunity to further influence these at present. Barrow BC are looking to adopt their Local Plan in 2017 but they have few issues with fluvial flood risk. Cumbria wide

Resilience – to help communities and businesses get back on their feet as quickly as possible after a flood we will:

38 Learn from other areas of the country that have faced significant A This is an on-going activity through practice groups and national team risk of flooding or erosion. Learn what action they took and apply coordination. The Environment Agency have spoken with colleagues in that in Cumbria in an ambitious way that suits the scale of the and Humber about their approach to SFRA production and, in problem. particular, site allocations and the application of the Sequential Test. They have also worked with their National Sustainable Places team in relation to Climate Change Allowances. Peer reviews have been undertaken with other areas and lessons learned reports shared. Flood resilience have a national engagement advisor network & have also developed communities of practice

39 Organise a seminar for local planning authorities to improve A The Environment Agency Sustainable Places team is working with the knowledge and implementation of planning measures to reduce Cumbrian Planners Training Group to deliver a 1 day workshop in March 2017. flood risk. The workshop will target development management and policy planners. The invitation will be extended to developers and consultants. Delivery will involve Area and National SP teams and the Town and Country Planning Association. 40 Conduct a research project: "Planning for Climate Change in Local A The Town & Country Planning Association published ‘Planning for the Climate Plans". Working with selected Local Authorities to review Local Challenge?: understanding the performance of English Local Plans’ in Plans in terms of Climate Change legislation and Flood Risk November 2016. This can be downloaded at https://www.Town & Country measures. Planning Association.org.uk/planning-for-the-climate-challenge

41 Promote the uptake of property level resilience grants available to G Completed: The Environment Agency Flood Resilience team are working householders and businesses affected by the 2015 floods. actively with Cumbria County Council and district authorities to understand barriers and to improve uptake. They are also currently funding engagement project supporting community recovery to resilience and working with the local authorities to encourage community collective resistance schemes

42 Understand the needs of businesses across Cumbria in terms of A Environment Agency Catchment Directors and teams are working with preparedness and resilience and investigate possible mitigation communities and through the LDNP Partnership Business Task Force to measures. understand the issues and reflect in the businesses case for FDGiA, LEP or other funding. The Environment Agency is also currently funding Newground to undertake business resilience engagement.

43 Work with children and young people affected by flooding to help G Completed: This report has now been published them cope and to engage them in the building resilience. Head Start and the Suitcase project (). 44 Implement appropriate agreed improvement actions from Cumbria A The Recommendations Task & Finish Group has met twice since December Local Resilience Forum debrief (both acute and recovery phases). and is proposing to Cumbria LRF Programme Board as of the 30th January all recommendations from the Acute Multi-Agency Debrief have been complete or transferred over to Cumbria LRFs Development Plan, therefore to discontinue the Task & Finish Group. There is no multi-agency group to manage lessons identified and we understand Cumbria County Council will be leading on these. Cumbria wide

Resilience – to help communities and businesses get back on their feet as quickly as possible after a flood we will:

45 Investigate the use of existing environmental monitoring A The joint /FFC/EA Rainfall Detection Project is due to issue a report technology in improving flood warnings for communities, based on the Cumbria Pilot in Autumn 2017. Permissions have been obtained particularly where the Environment Agency cannot currently for the pluvio rain-gauges at Coniston Copper Mines, Kentmere and at Dubbs provide conventional flood warnings. Trial any potential systems Reservoir at the head of the Gowan Catchment re Staveley with all 3 sites in catchments that respond rapidly to rain. planned to be fully operational prior to next winter year. A potential site has been identified at Greenside Mines in the Glenridding Beck catchment which the EA will investigate. The EA have also this month (February 2017) made our 46 Increase, by 4% every year, the number of people at risk of A Over 6,500 properties have signed up for flood warnings (FWS) since flooding who are signed up to our flood warning service so they December 2015, with Staveley & Glenridding planned. The Environment can take action to prevent harm to themselves and their property. Agency are encouraging all flood action groups (where they exist) to promote FWS, and using other partners to promote the service as well.

47 Improve and expand the flood warning service so it is integrated A By 2020 99% of those at risk will be able to receive some type of warning across response authorities providing a seamless, robust service (Alert, Warning or Severe). In April 17 the Environment Agency will be to the public and businesses so they receive the kind of advance introducing the new Flood Warning Service with clearer messages and advice. warning they need to take effective action to prepare for flooding. They are also improving liaison with partners by having earlier and regular conversations on the weather outlook, and improving forecasting services. There will be more information available on line from the Met Office and the Environment Agency with advice, Rain Guage data is already available online via guagemap. 48 Promote the new flood warning areas in , Wigton, A All the Flood Warning areas mentioned in the previous update have been Windermere and River Leven at Newby Bridge and Backbarrow delivered. Ulverston Flood Warning Areas have gone live and Dalton in and River Roe at Stockdalewath and those being planned for Furness will go live following launch of the New Flood Warning Service (FWS) Ulverston and Dalton in Furness so they can help provide better replacing Floodline Warnings Direct (Scheduled for April 2017). A new Flood warning to communities. Warning Area is being developed for Staveley and Ings in the Kent and Gowan Catchment this year along with a warning system for the community of Glenridding. Amendments to existing Flood Warning areas are likely to follow 49 Trail expanding the availability of business insurance for G Completed: BIBA scheme has been launched and decision was made to move businesses most affected by flooding. to full open market rather than an initial pilot. BIBA came up to Cockermouth to talk about the scheme at session with Chamber of Trade, hosted by Sue 50 Make improvements to the incident training and capability of G Completed:Hayman MP. This is ongoing and will be complete before the winter. 97% of people and equipment across the county, including the creation of Environment Agency staff have an incident role& are being trained & exercised. Major Incident Plans - NW Coastal Flooding Plan being the first. A Major Incident Plan has been completed. In Autumn 2016 two national & one local exercises were completed, a further two are planned for Jan 2017

51 Promote slowing the flow of water into the drains by using A Working through the "Making Space for Water" and Catchment Groups under sustainable drainage. (Sustainable drainage systems are methods the Strategic Partnership Governance that builders can use when developing new sites). The Environment Agency are promoting this work through consultation on Local Plans. Local Planning Authorities will be encouraged to produce SUDS policies (in conjunction with the LLFA) and look at where it would be possible to slow the flow either through land use policies on their own land or by allocating land for flood risk management purposes, e.g. functional flood plain.

52 Investigate the loss of telecommunications during Storm A This is being actioned as part of the Local Infrastructure Resilience Review Desmond. Work with those communities to protect services or (Telecommunications sub-group) establish a contingency plan in the event of future flooding. Cumbria wide

Resilience – to help communities and businesses get back on their feet as quickly as possible after a flood we will:

53 Increase the number of communities, individuals and families that A A network of 41 flood action groups have been established so that communities have an Emergency Plan in place and develop an evaluation tool are better prepared, respond and recover. that can be used to measure the effectiveness of Community The Environment Agency have developed new personal flood plan for families Emergency Plans. & households. This is being promoted as part of a "winter ready" campaign. Local Resilience Forum are currently looking at the validation element of community emergency plans

We will also: 54 Use data from Storm Desmond to test, improve and expand the A A prioritised programme of updated and new fluvial models has been computer flood risk modelling used to inform flood warnings, flood commissioned by the Environment Agency and delivery is on programme. They risk mapping and flood alleviation scheme design standards. also have a new internal flood impact tool and slider showing levels.

55 Using latest science of rainfall, hydrology and climate change A A prioritised programme of updated and new fluvial models has been where appropriate to update models and inform decisions on flood commissioned and delivery is on programme. risk management.

56 Carry out aerial surveys of main river catchments, to assess G Completed: A priotised programme of Lidar and walk over surveys have been geographical changes including landslip. Make the information been commissioned to inform geomorphology assessment in partnership with available for others to use. Interpret the results in combination Natural England and the River Trusts. with partners including Natural England to identify, understand and mitigate the risks. 57 Run a series of webinars to increase understanding of how rivers G Completed: Two EA / Forestry Commission Woodland days and one work, the risk of flooding people face, what to do to prepare for a Geomorphology day already completed. 3 further Knowledge Sharing days flood, what to do if it floods, and what we are doing to reduce the planned before 31 March 2017 risk.

58 Understand more about the risk of flooding in disadvantaged A Joseph Rowntree foundation are completing a report on this. First draft has areas and share learning across Cumbria. been issued with final publication date to be confirmed.

59 Identify all potential sources of funding available to manage water A Guidance to be hosted on Strategic Partnership Website and land-use and to reduce the risk of flooding. Develop guidance to explain who is responsible for funding and how it can be accessed. 60 Share the learning from the 4 pilots. (See corresponding actions, A Pilot reviews are underway and the results of this will be made available 78, 79, 91 and102). nationally within the EA and passed to the Cumbria Strategic Flood Partnership to facilitate their ongoing work 61 Learn from Science Wise and others nationally and internationally A This is a "Business as usual" process in the relevant Environment Agency (e.g. North Atlantic Programme - US Army Corp of Engineers), to Flood & Coastal Risk Management teams. improve the communication of flood risk.

62 Review Cumbria Flood Risk Strategic Partnership's current G Completed: An expanded Cumbria Flood Risk Strategic Partnership governance. governance is under consideration with partners, led by Cumbria County Council. This reflects the 5 priciples of the Cumbria Action Plan. 63 Update the action plan when recommendations from the flood A The Cumbria Flood Action Plan is being updated and will be taken forward by investigation reports are published. the Cumbria Strategic Flood Partnership Cumbria wide

We will also:

64 Apply the Cumbria Flood Partnership approach of community led, A The Cumbria Strategic Flood Partnership will provide the steering group for integrated working to all other river catchments in Cumbria. community-led working from 1st April 2017 in conjunction with the Catchment Pioneer approach

65 Make it easier for communities and organisations to work together, A The implementation of these new ways of working is being tested through the for example, by holding joint meetings, sharing knowledge and Pilot communities, however these are also being gradually adopted across the agreeing decisions. whole of the programme. We are planning a workshop as part of the Knowledge Sharing programme to provide communities with a greater understanding of the planning system and how they can influence it. The Local Resilience Forum Community Resilience Network Group is also supporting this approach

Eden Strengthening 66 Assess, design and construct projects shown in the Flood and A Projects within the Investment Programmme have been tendered and defences – to improve Coastal Risk Management Investment Plan and Local Flood Risk commissioned as a series of packages. Progress is being monitored and flood defences, Management Strategy (Eden) communities have been involved in the project development. roads, bridges and other infrastructure we will:

67 Assess the vulnerability of the Railway A The Environment Agency is working with Network Rail to exchange information particularly at bridge crossings, and take action where appropriate. on Network rail structures and Environment Agency data on the flood event, with the longer term objective of making Network Rail infrastructure more resilient to flooding and identifying where changes to their infrastructure can help to reduce flood risk in Carlisle.

Upstream 68 Review the role of Haweswater and Wet Sleddale Reservoirs in A United Utilities are still undertaking this work with Environment Agency support management – to help contributing to flood risk management. Understand, through manage the modelling, the potential benefit of changing operating regimes as landscape in a way well as the impact on public water supply and dam safety. Work in that reduces impacts partnership with the Environment Agency, community groups and downstream we will: other statutory agencies to agree actions. 69 River restoration projects in Swindale. Realignment of channel G Working through the Natural Flood Risk Management Group, with local pilots, and valley management offering natural flood risk management emerging Catchment Groups and through coordinating funding bids. Engaging benefits, including 6 hectares of bankside woodland and 2 flood through NFU and Farmers network to understand the issues and opportunities. storage areas. Re-naturalisation completed in partnership with Environment Agency, Natural England, United Utilities and RSPB. Tree planting is ongoing and two flood storage areas are being modelled

70 Reduce soil compaction, install woody debris dams and identify A A range of NFM options have been presented by the EA and their partners locations for additional storage of floodwater upstream of the through a variety of forums and events. This is an ongoing opportunity with villages of Gamblesby, Cumrew and Stockdalewath. communities which will be taken forward by the Cumbria Strategic Flood 71 Plant tree in ghylls and wet areas at Mallerstang, upstream of A A range of NFM options have been presented by the EA and their partners Appleby. through a variety of forums and events. This is an ongoing opportunity with Eden

Upstream management – to help manage the landscape in a way that reduces impacts downstream we will:

72 As part of a larger scheme of work looking at the flood risk and G Working through the Natural Flood Risk Management Group, with local pilots, habitat benefits of weir removal, a strategic assessment of the emerging Catchment Groups and through coordinating funding bids. Engaging natural flood management potential of the Caldew, Eamont and through NFU and Farmers network to understand the issues and opportunities. Lowther sub-catchments of the Eden will be completed in 2016. Two weir removals completed (Summer 2016) at Carleton Hall and Sheepmount. Other structures under review

Maintenance – to 73 Remove the build-up of gravel from the winter storms (Eden) G Completed: This was completed by the Environment Agency and normal keep flood defences, routine monitoring will continue. rivers, bridges, roads and other 74 Monitor and remove gravel when it reaches a defined trigger level G Completed: This activity is complete for this year but normal routine monitoring infrastructure in good (Eden) will continue. Resilience – to help 75 Develop a Carlisle flood plan to ensure organisations and local G Completed: The Environment Agency are currently working with Carlisle FAG communities and communities are better prepared. to develop a structure for developing individual and community plans. There is businesses get back also work through the National Flood Forum to lead a community resilience on their feet as project in Carlisle with support from action with communities in Cumbria quickly as possible Toafter better a flood manage we will: 76 Extend the notice period to end of March 2017, during this time we A Notice was extended and the Environment Agency continue to work with local water levels we will: will provide financial and technical support to the local community, interested parties who make up an Advisory Group. The group most recently landowners, environmental interest groups, beneficiaries and the met on 28 November 2016. Local Authority developing proposals for a new Lyth Valley Water Level Management Board. The proposals will reflect the needs of the area socially, economically and environmentally and further consultation on the revised proposals will take place in early 2017. If there is support, the notice period will be extended to June 2019 and a local funding solution to support the WLMB’s operation costs will be found including a financial contribution to make any necessary repairs or improvements to assets as they are transferred to new ownership.

We will also: 77 Hold a flood risk management and modelling competition on the G Completed: A collaboration between JBA consulting and Lancaster University Eden catchment. won this competition on 14th November 2016. It has been forwarded to the Regional Flood and Coastal Committee for consideration

78 Undertake the Patterdale and Glenridding pilot where agencies G Completed: A framework and tracker are under development to capture the and communities are working together to reduce and manage implementation of new ways of working. Initial meetings have been carried out flood risk in a way that best suits their community and catchment with the Parish Councils / Community Action Groups. Community Action Tables characteristics. and engagement plans are already in place to co-ordinate opportunities to reduce & manage flood risk. Pilot steering meetings are already underway. Eden

We will also:

79 Undertake the Stockdalewath pilot where agencies and G Completed: A framework and tracker are under development to capture the communities are working together to reduce and manage flood implementation of new ways of working. Initial meetings have been carried out risk in a way that best suits their community and catchment with the Parish Councils / Community Action Groups. This is a very proactive characteristics. community. Natural Flood Management is well underway and some interventions are already being put in place. Community Action Tables completed. Pilot steering meetings are already underway and and an engagement plan is being developed. This is being overseen by Eden Rivers Trust

Derwent Strengthening 80 Assess, design and construct projects shown in the Flood and A Projects within the Investment Programmme have been tendered and defences – to improve Coastal Risk Management Investment Plan and Local Flood Risk commissioned as a series of packages. Progress is being monitored and flood defences, Management Strategy (Derwent) communities are involved in the project development. Flood risk solutions are roads, bridges and currently being appraised by external consultants. These include upstream other infrastructure management solutions. The Environment Agency will be working with we will: communities to integrate local solutions where possible. These are due for completion in March /April 2017. Communities include, Keswick, Braithwaite, Cockermouth and Workington.

Upstream 81 Modify the Whit Beck channel to slow the flow, create new G Completed: Work was completed in 2016 management – to help floodplain and woodland habitat and links to existing habitat. manage the 82 Reconnect water courses to the flood plain and re-meander A A range of NFM options have been presented by the EA and their partners landscape in a way channels at locations above Cockermouth and Workington to slow through a variety of forums and events. This is an ongoing opportunity with that reduces impacts the flow. communities which will be taken forward by the Cumbria Strategic Flood downstream we will: 83 Review the role of Thirlmere Reservoir in contributing to flood risk A Regular meetings are being facilitated by the Environment Agency between management. Understand, through modelling, the potential benefit United Utilities and Keswick Flood Action Group. Good progress is being made. of changing operating regimes as well as the impact on public Solutions are currently being appraised by external consultants. These include water supply and dam safety. Work in partnership with the upstream management solutions. Environment Agency, community groups and other statutory agencies to balance the risks and opportunities associated with any changes and recommend a proposed way forward. 84 Through the River Cocker Crag End Farm Floodplain Re- A A range of NFM options have been presented by the EA and their partners connection Project remove flood embankments to improve through a variety of forums and events. This is an ongoing opportunity with connectivity of river to 20 hectares of floodplain and increase communities which will be taken forward by the Cumbria Strategic Flood natural flood storage capacity. Add to the flood management Partnership and the Catchment Management Groups. benefits by planting of willow crops. 85 Restore land and watercourses at Eycott Hill to contribute towards A This is an on-going opportunity, for which the mapping is being taken forward managing river flows in the River Glendermakin. through Catchment Groups 86 Undertake a study of river restoration options in the Borrowdale A This is an on-going opportunity, for which the mapping is being taken forward Valley including re-meandering watercourses and flood plain through Catchment Groups reconnection. Part of the ‘Catchments in Trust' approach for sustainable catchment management in the Borrowdale. Maintenance – to 87 Remove build-up of gravel from the winter storms (Derwent) G Completed: Normal routine monitoring will continue. keep flood defences, rivers, bridges, roads 88 Monitor and remove gravel when it reaches a defined trigger level G Completed: Normal routine monitoring will continue. (Derwent) Derwent

Resilience – to help 89 Consider long-term development options for the area of A Discussions are ongoing with Allerdale as to how they will tackle this based communities and Cockermouth around the Gote Road. To reduce risk to existing upon modelling that the Environment Agency have commissioned for the area. businesses get back housing and implement the recommendations from the flood Allerdale BC are working with the Environment Agency on their site allocations on their feet as investigation report. process for their Local Plan, and relevant Environment Agency departments quickly as possible are also working together internally to influence appropriate site allocations in after a flood we will: the Gote Road Area. Linked to item 36

To better manage 90 Explore inclusion of the Black Dub sub-catchment within the A Landowners in the Black Dub sub-catchment were approached by the NFU to water levels we will: Waver Wampool Water Level Management Board proposals. help explore their support to be included. The Environment Agency continue to work with this group and the main Advisory Group to help the community decide which approach is best.

We will also: 91 Undertake the Braithwaite Pilot where agencies and communities G Completed: A framework and tracker are under development to capture the are working together to reduce and manage flood risk in a way implementation of new ways of working. Initial meetings have been carried out that best suits their community and catchment characteristics. with the Parish Councils / Community Action Groups. Community Action Tables and engagement plans are already in place to co-ordinate opportunities to reduce & manage flood risk. Pilot steering meetings are already underway.

Kent & Strengthening 92 Assess, design and construct projects shown in the FCRM A The EA have commissioned £3 million of appraisal work for 38 locations across Leven defences – to improve Investment Plan and Local Flood Risk Management Strategy. Cumbria. Projects within the Investment Programmme have been tendered and flood defences, commissioned as a series of packages. Progress is being monitored and roads, bridges and communities are involved in the project development. Upstream 93 Develop a range of measures to ‘slow the flow’, reduce erosion A This is an on-going opportunity, for which the mapping is being taken forward management – to help and improve water quality in Kentmere, River Gowan, through Catchment Groups. Kentmere & Kent (Staveley) and Gowan (Dubs manage the Longsleddale, River Mint and River Sprint. Reservoir) were delivered Summer 2016 in partnership with the Environment landscape in a way Agency / Natural England / South Cumbria Rivers Trust that reduces impacts downstream we will:

94 Investigate the use of the redundant Birds Park Reservoir and A The Environment Agency are working with United Utilities and options have adjacent land to slow the flow of water into one of the Stock Beck been identified for integration into the delivery programme for Kendal. tributaries to the east of Kendal. 95 Remove embankment to reconnect the river with its floodplain, at G Completed: The river was connected with flood plain downstream of Staveley the confluence of the River Kent and the Riven Gowan through a South Cumbria River Trust project.

96 Continue to manage and support the sub-soiling programme on A A range of NFM options have been presented by the EA and their partners farmland around Windermere. Sub-soiling breaks up compacted through a variety of forums and events. This is an ongoing opportunity with layers of soil increasing water infiltration, reducing run-off and communities which will be taken forward by the Cumbria Strategic Flood increasing crop yield. Partnership and the Catchment Management Groups. Maintenance – to 97 Remove build-up of gravel from the winter storms. G Completed: Normal routine monitoring will continue. keep flood defences, rivers, bridges, roads and other infrastructure in good 98 Monitor and remove gravel when it reaches a defined trigger level. G Completed: This is an on-going monitoring task and normal routine monitoring will continue. Kent & Leven

99 Improve understanding of the impact of water levels in Lake A A report has been commissioned to appraise all the options to better manage Windermere and the operation of sluices at Newby on the flood risk. The findings will be reviewed in conjunction with WLLG, United economy of South Cumbria. Utilities, professional partners and other stakeholders and lake users.

Resilience – to help 100 Replace the damaged bridge at Staveley with a single span bridge. A Permitting and accelerated river modelling has been instigated by the communities and Environment Agency to ensure that there is no delay to the bridge replacement. businesses get back Current Cumbria County Council target is to get bridge re-opened by Easter on their feet as 2017. To better manage 101 Extend the notice period to the end of June 2019, during this time G Completed: Notice was extended and the Environment Agency continue to water levels we will: we will provide financial and technical support to the local work with local interested parties who make up an Advisory Group. Next community, landowners, environmental interest groups, meeting is scheduled for 1 December 2016. beneficiaries and the Local Authority developing proposals for a new Lyth Valley Water Level Management Board. The proposals will reflect the needs of the area socially, economically and environmentally and further consultation on the revised proposals will take place in early 2017. A local funding solution to support the WLMB’s operation costs will be found including a financial contribution to make any necessary repairs or improvements to assets as they are transferred to new ownership.

We will also: 102 Undertake the Staveley Pilot where agencies and communities are G Completed: A framework and tracker are under development to capture the working together to reduce and manage flood risk in a way that implementation of new ways of working. Initial meetings have been carried out best suits their community and catchment characteristics. with the Parish Councils / Community Action Groups. Community Action Tables and engagement plans are already in place to co-ordinate opportunities to reduce & manage flood risk. Pilot steering meetings are already underway. A brief summary of how we have engaged locally  There have been to-date (Feb 24, 2017) meetings with the communities in Cumbria 140 plus 4 workshops  Drop-in sessions 21  Recovery meetings 36  FIR meetings 35  Trailer/drop-in/flood forum 27  CFP meetings (Big Tent) 4  Pilot community meetings 17  Knowledge Sharing workshops (workshops bringing together Flood Action Groups, partners and experts) 4  Weekly update newsletters- 24 weekly updates sent to 67 recipients who cascade to readers, colleagues, council members, partners, local media

The issues we have resolved  102 actions were identified in the Cumbria Flood Action Plan  30% of short term actions completed  76 actions currently underway  100% of recovery work completed within 12 months

The feedback we have had, both constructive and positive Key feedback themes from CFP meetings and Knowledge Sharing workshops with EA response: Your said We did Communities want to know about the Set up a Google Recovery Map which “here & now” about has real time data and images about recovery/spending/programme in the recovery work across Cumbria. future. Communities want regular updates to From August 1, produced weekly keep them in the loop about what action recovery work update newletters is being taken. Lack of planning for winter 2016. Produced a report, working with partners to highlight the work taking place to plan for the winter which was presented at the August CFP meeting. Working with Cumbria County Council communications team, launched an online information portal for EA and partners: http://www.cumbriawinterready.org.uk/ Models need to be updated to reflect Models have been updates. new rainfall data. Need more to be done to raise Knowledge Sharing workshops awareness and education around flood covering: Geomorphology, planning, risk management. preparing and responding, natural flood management and planning. Communities need to have an EA planning drop-in sessions across understanding of the options and be communities at risk of flooding from involved in decision making about next May to discuss ‘long list’ of options and actions. returning autumn to identified preferred options to go forward. More data about flood risk management Learning form the Knowledge Sharing needs to be made available to the Programme to be shared on the public. Community Hub, through Cumbria Strategic Flood Partnership. Need to use the lessons learnt from Cumbria Pioneer, Catchment will take developing the action plan when this learning forward. considering low to apply to other areas. Talks with landowners need to be done Talks are already underway with quickly. landowners and working closely with NFU. Network of Flood Action Groups across This was successful achieved before county needed to raise community winter 2016. awareness. Need to manage flood risk by reviewing Maintenance plans will be published maintenance strategy in line with online later this year, and information geomorphology and topography. will be shared publicly through the new Monthly Flood Risk Management Newsletter, to be distributed through the same network as the weekly updates.

Key sessions that we are holding in the future  Including feedback from communities as part of the CFP work, the Environment Agency has developed a list of options for managing flood risk in locations flooded by main rivers during Storms Desmond & Eva.  The options have been identified using new and existing flood data gathered by the Environment Agency combined with the findings of the Flood Investigation Reports and community intelligence.  We’re considering a range of options, which can be divided in to 5 categories: o natural flood management; o flood storage; o building permanent raised defences; o improving the flow of water down river channels (which we refer to as ‘conveyance’); o community resilience. – is it worth using the same wording as the CSFP 5 themes i.e Strengthening Defences, Upland Management, Resilience, Maintenance, Water Level Management Boards.

 The options are divided by community, and consider how we can reduce flood risk along the whole length of catchment.  The EA is ready to share these options with local communities and gather feedback during May and June at a series of drop-in sessions at larger towns, and Flood Action Group meetings at smaller locations. People will also be able to view the options and provide feedback online.  The long-list of options will be narrowed down using the feedback we gather from the community. The options will also be tested against a set of criteria that will identify whether they are: environmentally sustainable; economically viable; technically feasible; and acceptable to local people.  In the autumn the EA will return to communities to consult on a short-list of feasible options so we can identify a preferred option together.  In areas where funding has already been secured, we can then get on with the job of implementing plans.  Where money has not been secured, having a preferred option identified means we’ll be in a stronger position to pursue funding and means communities will be in a better position to work with partners and local landowners to implement plans.  To ensure the maximum involvement with the community the EA will be actively encouraging people to attend one of our drop-in sessions or view the options and provide feedback online.  A key message is these are options only – nothing is set in stone and we’ve not discounted anything yet. The EA are keen to know if anyone has other ideas of how we can manage flood risk in their area. .