Llyr Gruffydd MS learns about Denbighshire’s natural flood management work at Llysfasi

The Senedd Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, Llyr Gruffydd MS, visited Coleg Cambria Llysfasi on Thursday, 8 October to learn more about the innovative natural flood management work being delivered across the Clwyd catchment by Denbighshire County Council.

During the visit, the Minister heard how the Council has developed an ambitious programme of more than 15 natural flood management projects through Welsh Government funding, with six schemes already completed. The interventions are designed to slow the flow of water and retain it within the landscape for longer, helping to reduce flood risk for downstream communities while also improving water quality, creating habitats and enhancing environmental resilience.

The visit showcased the scheme at Llysfasi, which has been developed in partnership with staff at Coleg Cambria and demonstrates how sustainable land management can contribute to flood resilience while supporting productive farming. The project also provides valuable learning opportunities for students, helping to equip future farmers and land managers with the skills to balance food production, environmental enhancement and community resilience.

Cathryn Hughes, Flood Alleviation Officer at Denbighshire said, “Working closely with farmers, landowners, educational institutions and Welsh Government is essential if we are to develop practical, sustainable solutions to the increasing flood risks associated with climate change. Visits such as this provide an excellent opportunity to demonstrate how natural flood management is becoming an important part of our wider approach to reducing flood risk across Denbighshire and the Clwyd catchment, while also delivering benefits for the environment and local communities."

Councillor James Elson, Denbighshire’s Lead Member for the Environment and Transport said, “We welcome this fantastic opportunity to highlight the flood alleviation work being delivered through Welsh Government Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) funding. Natural Flood Management sites, such as the one as Llysfasi, have been a huge part of Denbighshire's flood risk management ambitions. They offer protection for communities and resilience against increased flooding whilst also helping the Council meet its aims for a Greener Denbighshire."

The natural flood risk management scheme was designed by WaterCo who supported Denbighshire staff on the visit.