A new initiative has been launched recently to enhance rural flood resilience and assist farmers and communities in adapting to increasingly severe weather patterns.

The Rural Flood Resilience Partnership aims to boost collaboration and support farmers in strengthening their defences against flood risks and coastal erosion.

This partnership comprises six organisations, including key industry bodies such as the NFU and the Country Land and Business Association (CLA).

Rural communities across the UK are facing rising challenges from extreme weather, including the devastating impact of floods.

Last winter marked one of the wettest periods in England since records began in 1836, submerging thousands of acres of productive farmland.

The partnership has unveiled its 2024-2026 work plan, outlining projects that aim to improve data and collaboratively develop solutions to flooding.

This plan details 21 actions supporting seven strategic goals, with an emphasis on ensuring farmers and landowners have access to quality advice and assistance.

NFU vice president Rachel Hallos stated that the partnership is focused on helping farmers bolster the resilience of their homes and businesses through practical solutions.

She said: “It will also give rural communities the means to influence decision making, provide access to resources and support action on the ground, strengthening rural resilience to flooding in a changing climate."

Hallos highlighted that farmers are at the forefront of climate change, calling it the industry's ‘biggest challenge’.

"The extreme weather this brings is one of the main threats to UK food security and more severe storms, devastating floods, and increased periods of little or no rain are all impacting our ability to produce food."

CLA president Victoria Vyvyan stressed that the damage caused by flooding in rural areas is ‘localised but acute’.

"The CLA hopes this partnership will provide the evidence, awareness of risks, and access to practical advice that will allow them to improve their resilience.

“This partnership will look for short and medium-term solutions whilst raising awareness of the rural-specific costs and challenges from flooding which our members face.” she added.

The partnership includes Action with Communities in Rural England, the Association of Drainage Authorities, the CLA, the Environment Agency, the NFU, and Natural England.