Methodology

Overview

Methodology

There may be opportunities everywhere for NFM measures and other nature-based solutions at low cost that also bring additional benefits to human health, biodiversity, and the aesthetics of the landscape. However, the scattered and fragmented locations of properties at flood risk and the limited accessible funds requires identifying only the largest clusters of flood risk properties with the smallest upstream micro-catchments to deliver the most impact with the resources available.

The process of identifying priority areas for opportunities to deliver improved water quality and quantity for climate change resilience was undertaken in four steps. 1. The Southwest areas of Devon and Cornwall were modelled using

GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to identify where opportunity areas were located. 2. The modelled opportunity areas were ground-truthed in theory using desk-based studies 3. The top prioritised opportunity areas where ground-truthed physically using rapid walkover surveys 4. Internal evidence reviews, external evidence reviews, and 2 paged summary documents will be written for 24 trial investigation areas where physical interventions can take place.

For more information on the first 3 steps please see the appendix.

The final 24 micro-catchments, including the River Ashburn which is shown in red.