Wharfe flooding scheme praised

A North Yorkshire landowner who created a flood retention area at the head of the River Wharfe catchment area, has been awarded the show’s John Boddy award for woodland management.

John Hart, of Swartghyll Farm, near Buckden, built an area to retain water in the uplands during high rainfall. Sir William Worsley, who presented the award, said the scheme would enhance an already naturally wet area while also reducing the rate of peak flows.