On Tuesday, 17^th June, The Rivers Trust joined leaders from businesses and institutions across Yorkshire to mark the launch of the Aire Resilience Company (ARC), a new Community Interest Company (CIC) facilitating the delivery of long-term natural flood management (NFM) interventions in the Aire valley.

Working with nature to protect Leeds from the increasing risk of flooding.

ARC was created through a collaboration between Leeds City Council, the Environment Agency and The Rivers Trust with support from Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and Aire Rivers Trust as a direct response to the increasing risks of flooding posed by climate change. It will focus on delivering upstream interventions that work with nature to intercept and slow the flow of water, reducing pressure on Leeds’ existing flood defences, and bring wider environmental benefits to communities across Leeds and the Aire Valley.

Rob Horsley, project manager at The Rivers Trust, said:

“We know that climate change will bring an ever-growing challenge in the form of more frequent and severe weather patterns. It is vital we act now to address these challenges and add a proactive nature-based to future proof Leeds’ existing, first-rate flood defence system. Local businesses have shown real leadership in supporting ARC recognising how important it is that Leeds and the Aire Valley are resilient to climate change. ARC will act like the cog in the middle, bringing together natural flood management delivery partners, landowners and local businesses. It’s exciting to be launching such a unique business model in Leeds.”

ARC will operate an innovative delivery model using a blend of public and private finances to deliver and maintain a suite of Natural Flood Management (NFM) interventions in the Aire Valley. ARC is working with a consortium of forward thinking local businesses who recognise the importance of acting now to address the growing impacts of climate change. The funding raised enables ARC’s delivery partners to work with farmers and landowners in the mid and upper Aire catchment to install and maintain the NFM into the future. This work will include interventions to improve soil quality, making it more able to ‘absorb’ rainfall as well as improving its productivity. Landscape interventions such as tree and hedgerow creation will support the interception of water whilst also boosting biodiversity whilst creating bunds ensure the landscape can hold onto water for longer slowing down its movement toward the river Aire. These nature-based solutions enhance biodiversity and improve water quality, contributing to a healthier and more resilient environment for both people and wildlife.

Mark Lloyd, CEO of The Rivers Trust, said:

“Most human activity in the past few centuries has accelerated water through the landscape with drainage, straightened rivers, deforestation, impermeable surfaces and compacted soils. We need to reverse this process by slowing the flow to make use of this precious resource for people and nature and protect communities and businesses from flooding.

“This means taking action at scale throughout the landscape to store and absorb water by restoring natural processes. ARC is a shining example of a community coming together to make space for water and I hope it will be replicated throughout the country.”

Yorkshire Water have provided invaluable support to ARC and will continue to do so moving forward as a lead partner. CEO Nicola Shaw said, "By working with Aire Resilience Company to harness the power of nature, we’re not only building climate resilience in our own business, but also helping to generate new jobs, support nature-friendly farming, and improve water quality and soil health across the catchment of the Aire. The Aire Resilience Company offers a prime example of how working together can unlock sustainable value, build climate resilience, and future-proof Leeds as a place to live and work for many years to come.”[RH1]

A prosperous Leeds, resilient to the impacts of climate change, where businesses and communities collaborate and thrive.

By establishing a long-term, sustainable model for funding and maintenance, ARC will ensure these natural interventions continue to protect communities for many decades.

ARC’s work will complement and enhance the recently completed £200million Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme (LFAS) which protects the city and surrounding areas from extreme flooding as experienced following Storm Eva at Christmas 2015. Working in tandem, ARC and LFAS will ensure that Leeds and the Aire Valley remain climate resilient long into the future.

[RH1]Taken from press release