The Alconbury Brook Flood Group Charity

The Alconbury Brook Flood Group Charity (Charity number: 1204246) is a UK-based nonprofit organisation dedicated to reducing the risk of flooding to properties in the Alconburys and Hamerton areas. Formed in response to repeated flood events, particularly following significant flooding in 2020, the group aims to "store, slow and stretch" the flow of the Alconbury Brook for effective flood risk management. The charity operates independently while maintaining broad agreement on objectives with local Parish Councils and actively involves nearly 100 community supporters and volunteers[1][2][5].

History and Background

The charity was established following severe flooding that affected the local communities repeatedly. It emerged as a grassroots effort to address flood risks in a sustainable and community-focused manner. The group prioritises non-structural, natural flood management solutions, working closely with landowners and government agencies on various projects to alleviate flooding.

Objectives and Activities

The main ambition of the Alconbury Brook Flood Group Charity is to reduce flood risks by managing the brook's flow through natural flood management techniques. Key activities include:

• Installing experimental soil moisture sensors to better understand the catchment's hydrology and help inform flood risk strategies[2].
• Supporting and administering DEFRA pilot schemes such as Landscape Recovery, which involves re-wilding water courses, building new ponds, reconnecting floodplains, and installing leaky dams to slow floodwaters[4].
• Collaborating with local landowners and farms to improve soil health and promote practices that contribute to flood prevention, supported by partnership agreements with Natural England and other environmental bodies[4].
• Engaging in volunteer efforts for practical environmental stewardship, including maintaining watercourses and monitoring local flood-risk areas[1][4].
• Providing community education and resources to prepare properties and residents for potential flooding, with support materials such as homeowner guides and insurance information[1].

Community Engagement and Partnerships

The charity emphasizes community involvement, fostering a sense of partnership, communication, and resilience in flood risk management. It regularly reports to its supporters and volunteers and holds open Annual General Meetings (AGMs) to maintain transparency and encourage public participation[4][5]. The group also collaborates with agencies such as the Environment Agency and the National Flood Forum to align local efforts with regional flood alleviation schemes[1][3].

Governance

The organisation is managed by trustees and is registered with the UK Charity Commission under number 1204246. It operates on charitable funding and donations that support its various flood prevention projects[2][4].

This charity exemplifies a community-led approach to environmental management and flood risk reduction, combining traditional knowledge with innovative natural flood management practices to protect local homes and landscapes from flooding.

[1] https://www.alconburybrookfloodgroup.uk [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regId=1204246&subId=0 [3] https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/east-anglia-c-e/alconbury-flood-scheme/ [4] https://www.alconburybrookfloodgroup.uk/newsletters [5] https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/business/planning-and-development/flood-and-water/community-flood-action-programme/community-flood-groups/flood-group-descriptions