DOCSLIB.ORG

“Paradise for Sale”

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

“PARADISE FOR SALE” kiddles house, piddletrenthide, dorchester, dorset A CHARMING GRADE II LISTED FORMER FARMHOUSE IN A QUIET LOCATION NEAR THE ANCIENT CENTRE OF THIS POPULAR VILLAGE IN THE PIDDLE VALLEY kiddles house, church lane, piddletrenthide, dorchester, dorset dt2 7qz Entrance hall w sitting/dining room w kitchen/breakfast room w study w cloakroom w utility room w library/games room w rear hall w master suite with bedroom, bathroom and dressing area w guest suite with bedroom, bathroom and dressing area w two further bedrooms w family bathroom w garage w parking areas w machinery shed, log store and greenhouse w attractive garden with lawns, mature trees and well stocked beds and borders Situation Kiddles House is located in the popular Dorset village of Piddletrenthide which has amenities including two public houses, post office/stores and a popular primary school. The nearby villages of Piddlehinton, Buckland Newton and Cerne Abbas also provide a variety of everyday amenities with Cerne Abbas having its famous chalk giant. The towns of Dorchester, Sherborne and Poole all provide an excellent variety of shopping, educational and recreational facilities. Communications in the area include the A35 and A31 at Bere Regis and mainline railway stations are available at Sherborne and Dorchester, both of which have a mainline service to London Waterloo. Sporting facilities in the area include golf at Sherborne, Blandford and Dorchester, horse racing at Wincanton, Exeter and Bath and numerous water sports can be enjoyed along the Jurassic coastline to the south at Poole Harbour and Weymouth Bay. The area is also well served by excellent state schools at Sherborne and Dorchester and independent schools include Sherborne School for Boys, Sherborne School for Girls, Leweston, Bryanston and Canford. Description and History Kiddles House is Grade II Listed and dates from the 17th Century. The property has cob, flint, stone and rendered elevations under thatched and slate roofs and was completely restored by the current vendors in 2008/2009. The comfortable accommodation comprises two reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, study, two bedroom suites, two further bedrooms and family bathroom. There is electric powered central heating and part secondary double glazing to many windows. Features include two large fireplaces in the sitting/dining room, many exposed beams, stylish kitchen and bathroom suites as well as a library/games room with a historic full size snooker table (available by separate negotiation). The gardens totalling about one third of an acre, are a particular feature and provide a magical setting for this fine property. In 1959 the American poet Ogden Nash wrote a poem about Kiddles House (then known as Kiddles Farm) and called it Paradise for Sale. Earlier that year he had spotted a small advertisement in Country Life magazine offering for sale a ‘small mixed farm with period farmhouse’ near Dorchester. The poem, first published in the 25th July 1959 edition of The New Yorker magazine, is lively and light hearted but it also has a sense of yearning for the peace and quiet of this place, where Nash is “sure the gods could not but bless, The man who lives at that address”. Perhaps it was the opening lines of the advertisement : ‘In the valley of the River Piddle, Kiddles Farm, Piddletrenthide’ that inspired Nash’s poetic imagination. He made good use of these lines, turning them around and ending all five verses with: ‘....Kiddles Farm, Piddletrenthide, In the valley of the River Piddle’. In later correspondence with a local resident of Piddletrenthide, Nash wrote that he had more letters about this poem than any of his other work. Accommodation Please see floor plans. Outside Gravelled parking area. Garage with electric door. Greenhouse. Garden store. Useful open fronted cart house. The formal gardens comprise lawns, paved terraces, well stocked beds and borders, mature trees including a magnificent walnut as well as an ornamental pond. To the front of the property is a small area of well stocked garden. Directions From Dorchester, proceed in an easterly direction along the A35 and take the left hand turning onto the B3143. Proceed through Piddlehinton and into Piddletrenthide where you take the left hand turn into Church Lane. Continue along Church Lane and Kiddles House will be found on your left hand side on a crossroads. Services: Mains water, electricity and drainage. Electric powered central heating. Superfast Broadband could be available from adjacent post. Please note that the working condition of any of the services or kitchen appliances have not been checked by the agents but at the time of taking particulars we were informed they were all in working order. Local Authority: West Dorset District Council, South Walk House, South Walks, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1UZ. Telephone 01305 251 010. Post Code: DT2 7QZ. Viewing: Strictly by appointment with Savills. Gross Internal Area (approx) = 352.6 sq m / 3795 sq ft (Excluding Void) Garage = 23.8 sq m / 256 sq ft Store = 20.1 sq m / 216 sq ft Bedroom 3 4.23 x 3.24 Cart House = 47.1 sq m / 507 sq ft Void 13'11 x 10'8 Total = 443.6 sq m / 4775 sq ft Bedroom 2 Bedroom 4 Dn 4.08 x 3.44 4.09 x 3.41 13'5 x 11'3 Up 13'5 x 11'2 B First Floor Wood Store Dressing 3.37 x 2.66 Room 11'1 x 8'9 2.90 x 2.64 Garage 9'6 x 8'8 6.24 x 3.78 20'6 x 12'5 Tools Store 3.40 x 3.21 = Reduced headroom below 1.5m / 5'0 Bedroom 1 11'2 x 10'6 5.51 x 4.80 18'1 x 15'9 (Not Shown In Actual (Not Shown In Actual Location / Orientation) Location / Orientation) Sitting / Dining Room 7.92 x 5.31 Utility Study 26'0 x 17'5 Up 4.95 x 2.53 2.24 x 1.59 16'3 x 8'4 Kitchen / Breakfast Room Cart House 7'4 x 5'3 Dn 8.19 x 5.77 6.51 x 5.09 21'4 x 16'8 26'10 x 18'11 IN Ground Floor (Not Shown In Actual Location / Orientation) Games Room 8.48 x 6.35 27'10 x 20'10 Savills Wimborne Wessex House, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 1PB. [email protected] 01202 856800 Savills, their clients and any joint agents give notice that: 1. They are not authorised to make or give any representations or warranties in relation to the property either here or elsewhere, either on their own behalf or on behalf of their client or otherwise. They assume no responsibility for any statement that may be made in these particulars. These particulars do not form part of any offer or contract and must not be relied upon as statements or representations of fact. 2. Any areas, measurements or distances are approximate. The text, images and plans are for guidance only and are not necessarily comprehensive. It should not be assumed that the property has all necessary planning, building regulation or other consents and Savills have not tested savills.co.uk any services, equipment or facilities. Purchasers must satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise. 170503SB Brochure by floorplanz.co.uk.
Recommended publications
  • Dorset History Centre

    Dorset History Centre

    GB 0031 D40E Dorset History Centre This catalogue was digitised by The National Archives as part of the National Register of Archives digitisation project NRA 12726 The National Archives DORSET RECORD OFFICE H. M. C. 12726 D40E Deposited by Thos. ooornbs £ Son, Solicitors^ NATIONA L REGISTER 15th May, 1967. OF ARCHIVES (See also NRA 16221 WESLEY FAMILY PAPERS, Dorset R.O. D40 G) pfr u Bundle No. Date Description of Documents No. of nocumenti DORSET"" 1. 1798 "Report on the Coast of Dorsetshire, 1793" by Wm. Morton 1 vol. Pitt, for purpose of planning defence. Largely on pos­ sible landing places, present armament; suggestions as to stationing guns and troops. At back: table showing guns serviceable, unserviceable and wanting. At front: map of Dorset reduced from Isaac Taylor's 1" map and published by \i, Faden in 1796. 2. 1811 Dorset 1st ed. 1" O.S. map showing coast from Charmouth 1 to Bindon Hill. - 3. 1811 Dorset 1st ed. 1" O.S. map, sheet XV, showing Wimborne 1 and Cranborne area and part of Hampshire. BUCKLAID NEWTON 4. 1840 Copy tithe map. 1 CHARMINSTER ND 5. Extract from tithe map, used in case Lord Ilchester v. 1 Henning. DCRCHESTER 6. (Post 1834) Map , undated. (Goes with survey in Dorchester 3orough 1 records which is dated 1835 or after). Shows properties of Corporation, charities, schools. 7. - 1848 Map, surveyed 1810, corrected 1848 by F.C. Withers. 4 Indicates lands belonging to Earl of Shaftesbury, Robert Williams, the Corporation; shows parish boundaries.(2 copies). Survey showing proprietors, occupiers, descri­ ption of premises, remarks.
  • Lackington Farmhouse Piddletrenthide, Dorchester, Dorset Lackington Farmhouse Piddletrenthide • Dorchester • Dorset • DT2 7QU

    Lackington Farmhouse Piddletrenthide, Dorchester, Dorset Lackington Farmhouse Piddletrenthide • Dorchester • Dorset • DT2 7QU

    Lackington Farmhouse Piddletrenthide, Dorchester, Dorset Lackington Farmhouse Piddletrenthide • Dorchester • Dorset • DT2 7QU An attractive family house with coach house in an elevated position in the Piddle Valley Accommodation Entrance Hall • Kitchen • Dining Room • Study • Sitting Room • Drawing Room • Boot Room • Utility • Cloakroom Five bedrooms • Family bathroom • En suite shower room Coach House: Sitting Room • Kitchen • Two bedrooms • Shower room • Private patio garden • Garage Outside: Three Stables • Outbuilding/Workshop • Garage • Garden Store • Gardens • Parking SaviIls Wimborne Wessex House, Wimborne Dorset, BH21 1PB [email protected] 01202 856800 Situation countryside with its numerous footpaths and bridleways. The area The dining room has a large inglenook fireplace, formerly a bread Lackington Farmhouse is located in the popular Dorset village of is also well served by excellent schools both state and private at oven which houses a woodburning stove, with wood beam mantle Piddletrenthide which has amenities including two public houses, Sherborne and Dorchester, including Sherborne School for Boys, above. The family kitchen has painted fitted wooden units, with post office/stores and a popular primary school. The nearby villages Sherborne School for Girls, Leweston, Bryanston and Canford. a Stanley oven which also heats the hot water. Upstairs are five of Piddlehinton, Buckland Newton and Cerne Abbas, home of the bedrooms, three of which are on the first floor and two on the second famous chalk giant, also provide a variety of everyday amenities. Description floor. The master bedroom has an en suite shower room. The towns of Dorchester, Sherborne and Poole all provide an Lackington Farmhouse dates from circa 1820 with a part rendered Next to the main house is the Coach House with two bedrooms on excellent variety of shopping, educational and recreational facilities.
  • Piddle Valley Parish Council

    Piddle Valley Parish Council

    Piddle Valley Parish Council Dear Councillor You are hereby summonsed to attend the July meeting of the Piddle Valley Parish Council to be held on Tuesday 28 August at 7.30pm, Piddletrenthide Memorial Hall. Yours faithfully Samantha Paulley Clerk 1. Democratic Period to include; i) Police/Home watch update 2. Absence with apologies – Clerk, Cllrs Haynes 3. Declarations of Interest 4. Minutes of Piddle Valley Parish Council meeting held on 31 July 2018 5. Matters arising from last minutes – Action Points as attached list 6. Planning Matters i) Decision Notices WD/D/18/001590 HOPE FARMHOUSE, SWAN LANE, PIDDLETRENTHIDE ‐ Non Material Amendment to application WD/D/17/003007 – Grant of non‐material amendment WD/D/18/000966 ASTRA, PARK FARM TO BRACE OF PHEASANTS, PLUSH ‐ Internal and external alterations to include erection of single storey extension – APPROVED WD/D/18/000965 ASTRA, PARK FARM TO BRACE OF PHEASANTS, PLUSH ‐ Demolition of garage, erection of single storey extension, detached triple bay garage and minor alterations to Cottage – APPROVED WD/D/17/002237 1 HIGH STREET, PIDDLEHINTON, DORCHESTER, DT2 7TD ‐ Formation of double driveway to side of property – APPROVED ii) Application for modification order Public Bridleway 8, Cheselbourne and Bridleway 18, Dewlish iii) Planning consultations WD/D/18/001455 Change of use of a vacant business unit within Use Class B1 (Business) to a Dance Studio within Use Class D2 (Assembly and leisure) ‐ UNIT 31, PIDDLEHINTON WD/D/18/001747 THE TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING (GENERAL PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT) (ENGLAND) ORDER 2015 (AS AMENDED) ‐ Change of Use of Agricultural Buildings to Dwellinghouses(5 dwellings) (Use Class C3) and for associated operational development ‐ LITTLE PUDDLE FARM, LITTLE PUDDLE FARM LANE, PIDDLEHINTON WD/D/18/001629 Change of use of 3 existing buildings on the site from B1/B2 Use to form 3no.
  • Piddle Valley Conservation Area Review

    Piddle Valley Conservation Area Review

    Item 14 Council Meeting – 16 January 2018 Piddle Valley Conservation Area review 1. Purpose of report The purpose of this report is to seek the Council’s approval to adopt the draft appraisal and boundary proposal prepared for Piddle Valley Conservation Area. 2. Key issues 2.1 The Council designates and reviews conservation areas in fulfilment of statutory duties under Section 69 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. Purbeck District has twenty five Conservation Areas, twenty-two of which have been appraised and reviewed since their designation, twenty-one of these since 2008. 2.2 A conservation area is a historic built environment designation. The designation promotes the preservation and enhancement of groups of buildings and structures which hold special historic or architectural interest, together with associated spaces and trees. This is primarily achieved through the sensitive management of change within the planning process. 2.3 Paragraph 127 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) highlights the importance of ensuring that conservation area designations are justified. This is the key objective of the boundary review, and ensures fairness in the application of controls, and soundness in case of appeal against planning decisions. 2.4 The Council has a statutory duty to consider the impact of planning proposals upon conservation areas. This is reflected in paragraph 129 of the NPPF, which requires local planning authorities to assess the significance of heritage assets as part of the development management process. Assessment of significance is a key objective of conservation area character appraisals, and therefore provides the Council with an important part of the required evidence base in decision making.
  • Estuary Assessment

    Estuary Assessment

    Appendix I Estuary Assessment Poole and Christchurch Bays SMP2 9T2052/R1301164/Exet Report V3 2010 Haskoning UK Ltd on behalf of Bournemouth Borough Council Poole & Christchurch Bays SMP2 Sub-Cell 5f: Estuary Processes Assessment Date: March 2009 Project Ref: R/3819/01 Report No: R.1502 Poole & Christchurch Bays SMP2 Sub-Cell 5f: Estuary Processes Assessment Poole & Christchurch Bays SMP2 Sub-Cell 5f: Estuary Processes Assessment Contents Page 1. Introduction....................................................................................................................1 1.1 Report Structure...........................................................................................................1 1.2 Literature Sources........................................................................................................1 1.3 Extent and Scope.........................................................................................................2 2. Christchurch Harbour ....................................................................................................2 2.1 Overview ......................................................................................................................2 2.2 Geology........................................................................................................................4 2.3 Holocene to Recent Evolution......................................................................................4 2.4 Present Geomorphology ..............................................................................................5
  • The Wareham Two Rivers Walks

    The Wareham Two Rivers Walks

    THE WAREHAM Two Rivers Walks TWO RIVERS WALKS The Two Rivers Walks journey through beautiful ecologically-rich areas as they wind alongside the River Frome and the River Piddle. These two rivers flow through Wareham into Poole harbour, one of the largest natural Wareham to Swineham point harbours in the world, and support a wide variety of stunning flora and fauna. Along this walk experience: - Incredible Biodiversity The two rivers walks travel through designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The combination of soil type, wet areas, tidal flooding and land management has supported the rich ecology and biodiversity for which the area is renowned. This area supports 40,000 birds in the winter, and a wonderful variety of birds can be seen throughout the year such as lapwings, redshanks and kingfishers. It is not uncommon to see otters along this route and hear River Piddle fisheries the ‘plop’ of a shy water vole dive into the water before being seen. The rivers also support a variety of fish such as Ragged Robin trout and salmon which spend much of their life at sea but return to healthy rivers to breed. - Archaeological History The stunning landscape that can be viewed along the walk has been shaped by human activity throughout the ages. Excavations have shown that the area has been used by humans for thousands of years, with relics being found that show there were once Bronze Age settlements here. River Frome reed bed The rich natural resources that were in this area, such as clay, stone and chalk were what would have once attracted settlers to Wareham.
  • 135. Dorset Heaths Area Profile: Supporting Documents

    135. Dorset Heaths Area Profile: Supporting Documents

    National Character 135. Dorset Heaths Area profile: Supporting documents www.naturalengland.org.uk 1 National Character 135. Dorset Heaths Area profile: Supporting documents Introduction National Character Areas map As part of Natural England’s responsibilities as set out in the Natural Environment White Paper,1 Biodiversity 20202 and the European Landscape Convention,3 we are revising profiles for England’s 159 National Character Areas North (NCAs). These are areas that share similar landscape characteristics, and which East follow natural lines in the landscape rather than administrative boundaries, making them a good decision-making framework for the natural environment. Yorkshire & The North Humber NCA profiles are guidance documents which can help communities to inform West their decision-making about the places that they live in and care for. The information they contain will support the planning of conservation initiatives at a East landscape scale, inform the delivery of Nature Improvement Areas and encourage Midlands broader partnership working through Local Nature Partnerships. The profiles will West also help to inform choices about how land is managed and can change. Midlands East of Each profile includes a description of the natural and cultural features England that shape our landscapes, how the landscape has changed over time, the current key drivers for ongoing change, and a broad analysis of each London area’s characteristics and ecosystem services. Statements of Environmental South East Opportunity (SEOs) are suggested, which draw on this integrated information. South West The SEOs offer guidance on the critical issues, which could help to achieve sustainable growth and a more secure environmental future.
  • Pump Cottage, 20 Briantspuddle, Dorchester, Dorset Charming Thatched Cottage with Delightful Garden in an Idyllic Village Setting

    Pump Cottage, 20 Briantspuddle, Dorchester, Dorset Charming Thatched Cottage with Delightful Garden in an Idyllic Village Setting

    PUMP COTTAGE, 20 BRIANTSPUDDLE, DORCHESTER, DORSET CHARMING THATCHED COTTAGE WITH DELIGHTFUL GARDEN IN AN IDYLLIC VILLAGE SETTING Pump Cottage, 20 Briantspuddle, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 7HS Entrance hall • sitting room • dining room • kitchen • 3 bedrooms • bathroom • first floor cloakroom • first floor sitting area • garage • pretty garden • about one fifth of an acre Situation The property is located in the pretty village of Briantspuddle which lies in an idyllic rural landscape close to the River Piddle. A 19th Century cart barn is now used as the village hall, community shop and social club providing focal points for the village community. There are many attractive thatched houses and cottages and an impressive War Memorial designed by the talented sculptor Eric Gill. The nearby towns of Dorchester, Blandford, Poole, Bournemouth and Wimborne all provide an excellent range of shopping, educational, recreational and cultural facilities. The area’s sporting facilities include golf at Dorchester (Came Down), Wareham and Broadstone, sailing and other water sports in Poole and Bournemouth and horse racing at Salisbury and Wincanton. There is an extensive network of bridleways and footpaths locally and easy access to the Jurassic Coast. Communications are good: the A31 provides access to the M3/M27 for London and the Home Counties as well as Portsmouth and beyond. There are airports at Bournemouth, Southampton and Exeter, a regular railway service from Moreton, Wool and Wareham to London Waterloo and a bus service from the village to Poole and Dorchester. Bere Regis and Puddletown have primary schools; there are secondary schools in Dorchester and Wareham and a good range of independent schools in the area.
  • Memorials of Old Dorset

    Memorials of Old Dorset

    :<X> CM \CO = (7> ICO = C0 = 00 [>• CO " I Hfek^M, Memorials of the Counties of England General Editor : Rev. P. H. Ditchfield, M.A., F.S.A. Memorials of Old Dorset ?45H xr» MEMORIALS OF OLD DORSET EDITED BY THOMAS PERKINS, M.A. Late Rector of Turnworth, Dorset Author of " Wimborne Minster and Christchurch Priory" ' " Bath and Malmesbury Abbeys" Romsey Abbey" b*c. AND HERBERT PENTIN, M.A. Vicar of Milton Abbey, Dorset Vice-President, Hon. Secretary, and Editor of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Field Club With many Illustrations LONDON BEMROSE & SONS LIMITED, 4 SNOW HILL, E.C. AND DERBY 1907 [All Rights Reserved] TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD EUSTACE CECIL, F.R.G.S. PAST PRESIDENT OF THE DORSET NATURAL HISTORY AND ANTIQUARIAN FIELD CLUB THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED BY HIS LORDSHIP'S KIND PERMISSION PREFACE editing of this Dorset volume was originally- THEundertaken by the Rev. Thomas Perkins, the scholarly Rector of Turnworth. But he, having formulated its plan and written four papers therefor, besides gathering material for most of the other chapters, was laid aside by a very painful illness, which culminated in his unexpected death. This is a great loss to his many friends, to the present volume, and to the county of for Mr. Perkins knew the as Dorset as a whole ; county few men know it, his literary ability was of no mean order, and his kindness to all with whom he was brought in contact was proverbial. After the death of Mr. Perkins, the editing of the work was entrusted to the Rev.
  • INSPECTION REPORT Piddle Valley Church of England First School

    INSPECTION REPORT Piddle Valley Church of England First School

    INSPECTION REPORT Piddle Valley Church of England First School Piddletrenthide, Dorchester LEA area: Dorset LEA Unique reference number: 113811 Acting Headteacher: Mrs A. Clark Reporting inspector: Mr R. W. Burgess OIN 20950 Dates of inspection: 26th – 28th June 2000 Inspection number: 187790 Inspection carried out under Section 10 of the School Inspections Act 1996 © Crown Copyright 2000 This report may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that all extracts quoted are reproduced verbatim without adaptation and on condition that the source and date thereof are stated. Further copies of this report are obtainable from the school. Under the School Inspections Act 1996, the school must provide a copy of this report and/or its summary free of charge to certain categories of people. A charge not exceeding the full cost of reproduction may be made for any other copies supplied. INFORMATION ABOUT THE SCHOOL Type of school: First School category: Voluntary Aided Age range of pupils: 4 – 9 Gender of pupils: Mixed School address: Piddletrenthide Dorchester Dorset Postcode: DT2 7QL Telephone number: 01300 348219 Fax number: 01300 348887 Appropriate authority: Governing Body Name of chair of governors: Mr R. E. Goddard Date of previous inspection: 16th January 1996 Piddle Valley Church of England First School - 5 INFORMATION ABOUT THE INSPECTION TEAM Team members Subject responsibilities Aspect responsibilities Mr R. W. Burgess Registered inspector Mathematics What sort of school is it? Information technology How high are standards? Art How well are pupils taught? Design and technology How well is the school led and managed? Physical education Equal opportunities English as an additional language Mr P.
  • Piddle Valley Neighbourhood Plan Final Pre-Sumission Consultation Draft

    Piddle Valley Neighbourhood Plan Final Pre-Sumission Consultation Draft

    Piddle Valley Neighbourhood Plan 2016 to 2031 Draft for pre-submission consultation - September 2015 Produced by Piddle Valley Parish Council with the help of local residents Piddle Valley Neighbourhood Plan – 2016 to 2031 How this Plan came about Back in 2012, the idea of a Neighbourhood Plan for the Piddle Valley was discussed at the Parish Council meetings. A small working group was formed. Having done some research and looked at other examples, the group wanted to be sure that there was enough support for a Neighbourhood Plan, as it was clear that producing a plan would take a lot of community time and effort. So the group put articles in the Piddle Valley News and Views to try to explain what a Neighbourhood Plan was, and what it could achieve, and organised presentations at the school in October that year. They gave local residents the chance to vote whether or not they wanted a Neighbourhood Plan. They explained that - If nothing is done, then future planning decisions that affect the Valley will be taken by the District Council as they see fit. If the Valley has its own Neighbourhood Plan, which sets out our wishes for things we both do and do not wish to see occur, then the District Council have to take those views into account in reaching their decision. The Plan will take a lot of time and work to prepare, including further consultations, and must eventually be approved by a referendum of the Valley residents. It is important therefore for the Parish Council to know that there is support in principle for the work involved.
  • Upper Piddle Valley Project Who Will Deliver Projects?

    Upper Piddle Valley Project Who Will Deliver Projects?

    Catchment Partnerships Upper Piddle Valley Project — Slowing the flow using Natural Flood Management techniques © Lorraine© Igar What is Natural Flood Management? Natural Flood Management (NFM) involves working with nature to ‘slow the flow’ of water across a landscape. There are a variety of techniques that can be used, including; cross drains, earth bunds, leaky ponds, cover crops, hedges, trees, reducing compaction and grass buffers. These techniques all work together to hold flood water upstream and allow water to release slowly back into the river, helping to reduce the frequency and magnitude of future floods in the Piddle Valley. It also helps to deliver a range of other benefits to the local environment, including improvements to water quality, biodiversity and climate change mitigation. NFM projects can compliment the flood projects delivered by other organisations. For more information on successful projects using these methods please visit: www.stroud.gov.uk/ environment/flooding-and-drainage/stroud-rural-sustainable-drainage-rsuds-project The Piddle Valley. Surface water and groundwater flooding A combination of factors makes the Piddle Valley susceptible to flooding but also a good opportunity to use a sustainable approach to reducing this risk. The steep slopes fall sharply into a flat river valley. The river Piddle and the Plush Brook are fed by both groundwater and surface water. The historic modifications to the watercourses means that they are straighter, unconnected to the floodplain and so respond quickly to heavy rainfall. The combination of free draining soils of the upper valley and impeded drainage on the clays, steep slopes, climate change and the position of the villages contribute to flood events like that in February 2016.