Natural Flood Management (NFM)

Natural Flood Management will not prevent flooding, however it could be an integral part of our approach to managing flooding within the UK.

By working with natural processes and features within the landscape, NFM can deliver multiple benefits – improving connectivity, biodiversity and habitats that create greater resilience and adaptability within our catchments.

How NFM Works

NFM Techniques we use

Storing Water

• Riparian buffer strips
• Riparian tree planting
• Large wood debris features

Holding Water

• Floodplain bunds
• Flood bank removal
• Sediment trap

Intercepting Water

• Woodland creation
• Moorland restoration
• Soil management

NFM Guidance

Download NFM resources here:

Useful Links

Practical Guides

• Working with natural processes to manage flood and coastal erosion risk

• Channel management

• Losing ground – managing water run-off and soil erosion

Case Studies

• Bishopdale NFM

• Collingham NFM

• Brompton NFM

• Holnicote – From source to sea

• Pickering – Slowing the Flow

General Information

• Planning advice for intergrated water management

• ICASP NFM Community of Practice

• Funding for NFM Projects

• The Rivers Trust NFM Hub

• NFM Engagement Tools

• Flood and Coastal Erosion Engagement Tools