Money for projects to cut flooding risk and boost wildlife

Environment Minister Richard Benyon revealed yesterday that two projects in the region had been successful in securing £20,000 of Defra funding.

They have joined 10 other local Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs) across England in being awarded extra funding from a pot totalling almost £100,000 to support innovative projects which protect communities or improve the local natural environment.

The Tween Bridge IDB will receive £10,000 to help create new habitats on Inkle Moor, near Doncaster, for the marsh pea – one of the country’s rarest plants.

The Ouse and Humber Water Management Partnership will also receive £10,000, which will go towards a £340,000 project to improve land use in the Broomfleet Washland, near Goole, increasing flood storage capacity and protecting local wildlife habitats.

The partnership’s chief executive, Andrew Morritt, said: “The funding will help us put together a detailed design to enable us to progress the scheme.”

IDBs manage water levels in areas that require special drainage, such as farmland in river valleys. They play an important role in protecting agricultural land and aiding urban development, as well as conserving and enhancing wildlife.

Mr Benyon said: “Farmers, working with councils, play an important part in protecting and improving our communities. I have allocated almost £100,000 to help them continue that work.”