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| Extensive flooding caused damage at Shuborough earlier this year |
Traditional techniques could help prevent flooding misery
A traditional farming technique for improving grass yields in which Staffordshire once excelled could hold the key to adapting to climate change flooding.
Staffordshire County Council's archaeological team is about to embark upon an exciting £17,000 project mapping out how previous generations directed flood waters to generate a network of lush water meadows to feed their beasts, and provide fodder during the winter months. It is a technique that has now almost completely disappeared.
And this could help map out future plans for controlling floods in the 21st century.
Papers going back to the 16th century show that Staffordshire was among the most advanced in the field of water meadow management.
But as the agricultural "revolution" gathered pace in the 19th century the ancient water meadow earthworks disappeared, leaving virtually no trace. Until recently, that is, when vestiges of past water management wisdom have been rediscovered.
Today, with quarrying a major industry along Staffordshire's river valleys, the importance of mapping the remaining evidence of water meadow management is more crucial than ever before.
The County team are now working with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and Natural England (England's official national conservation body) to map Staffordshire's water meadows, providing data from the past to help manage the future.
£12,000 of the project funding comes from Natural England's Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund, with a £5,000 contribution from the County Council.
The information will help inform future planning advice on quarrying. The Wildlife Trust will use the information in its Farming Floodplains for the Future Project - planning ahead to reduce flood threats through better land management programmes
Staffordshire County Councils Climate Change champion Councillor Terry Dix said: "Our forebears lived much more closely with the nature, adapting their agricultural practises to make the most of the ebb and flow of the flood plain. The evidence of their skill still lies buried beneath our feet.
"Staffordshire's archaeologists are working to uncover and map this fascinating approach to water management, and it's never been more timely, as climate change again demands that we rediscover how we can live in tune with natural systems.
"The past and the future, humans and nature, really are interdependent. Staffordshire County Council is working to help our communities adapt to the inevitable changes that are already apparent in our climate. The cost of this project will be repaid many times over if it can help alleviate any future floods."
Page Last Modified:
30/11/2007 09:58:19
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