Although the current weather conditions have made flooding feel like a distant concern, significant work has been taking place across Gloucestershire to help communities become more resilient to future wet weather and flooding.
Along with its partners, the county council has delivered an extensive programme of flood resilience improvements over the past five years, helping to better protect homes, businesses and infrastructure.
Despite 2025/26 being one of the wettest winters on record, the number of properties affected by flooding remained comparatively low. Storm Claudia brought significant rainfall last November, yet the impact on homes was far lower than during similar events in the past.
As an illustration, during November 2024 to February 2025 Gloucestershire had more than 140 property-related flood reports, whereas during the same period in 2025/26 we received only five. Although there are many variables, this reduction has been cautiously welcomed.
This improved resilience reflects the sustained work of the county council, its partners and local communities to strengthen flood defences and use more natural approaches to managing water.
Gloucestershire County Council continues to attract external funding to deliver flood risk management schemes, such as £838,000 for the Cannop Natural Flood Management project. Above Lydney, the Cannop catchment is becoming a leading example of Natural Flood Management at scale. Work here focuses on slowing the flow of water, restoring rivers, creating wet woodland and using natural materials to work with the landscape rather than against it.
In Lydney, there are encouraging signs of progress. At Forest Road, flood water did not reach gardens, let alone homes, despite properties flooding during a similar event in 2020.
At Lakeside Avenue, work on Plummers Brook and downstream improvements have significantly reduced risk on what had previously been one of the county’s most frequently flooded streets.
Elsewhere, new flood storage on the River Twyver at Upton St Leonards performed as designed, holding water back and helping to protect communities, including parts of Gloucester. This storage area, in combination with other measures in the area, was modelled to reduce flood risk to 26 properties.
These projects sit alongside a wider programme of work happening across the county, from property flood resilience measures and capital schemes to a growing pipeline of natural flood management projects, including work above Cirencester and more in development.
Much of this work happens quietly, often out of sight. It is the council and its partners “fixing the roof while the sun is shining” – surveying drains, clearing watercourses, modelling flood risk, building storage areas, working with landowners and helping communities prepare for future weather events.
The result is simple but powerful: when the next storm arrives, the impact is reduced and homes and businesses are better protected.
Even though communities are now better protected, preparation remains essential, not least because the recent months of unprecedented heat and extremely dry conditions brings with it an increased risk of surface water flooding when it does rain because the dry ground can’t absorb rainfall quickly enough.
Residents are encouraged to check their flood risk, sign up for flood warnings where available, take simple steps to protect their homes and businesses and keep an eye on local watercourses and report any blockages. Gloucestershire County Council’s Flood Guide provides practical advice on preparing for, responding to and recovering from flooding and can be found on the council’s website.
Cllr Ashley Bowkett, Cabinet Member for Nature, Climate and Waste Reduction said: “While the weather has been very hot and sunny, we know the rain will come again, and thanks to the work happening across Gloucestershire, we are better prepared when it does. This is a shared success and a testament to the dedication, skill and commitment of the teams involved – work that may not always be visible but is making a real difference to people and places across Gloucestershire.
“What’s really encouraging is that this isn’t about one big project, but consistent, joined-up action across the county. From natural flood management in the Cannop catchment to targeted improvements in places like Lydney and Upton St Leonards, we are seeing the real benefits of taking a long-term, proactive approach.
“The recent dry weather is a reminder that extreme weather can take many forms. After prolonged dry periods, intense rainfall can lead to rapid surface water flooding and flash floods, so it is important that people do not become complacent.
“This work often goes unseen, but it is making a genuine difference, protecting homes, supporting communities and helping us adapt to a changing climate.
“I would encourage everyone to take a few minutes to look at the council’s flood guide and make sure they know what to do if flooding affects their area. Being prepared can make a real difference when severe weather strikes.”
Residents can find practical advice on flood preparedness, including how to protect their property, create a flood plan and recover after a flood, in Gloucestershire County Council’s Flood Guide.
