£2m boost for ‘natural’ flood defences
THE Welsh Government has revealed a £2m package to support “natural flood management” projects after larges areas of Wales were devastated by flooding earlier this year.
Some areas have been flooded multiple times in the past year, and with severe weather patterns predicted to become more common due to climate change, policy-makers and Natural Resources Wales have been under pressure to come up with measures to prevent further misery for businesses and householders.
Natural flood management (NFM) uses natural techniques such as tree-planting, leaky dams, saltmarsh and dune restoration, the reintroduction of meanders and natural flood plains to reduce or slow the rate of run-off into rivers and hold back water.
It can also be used to lessen the impact of coastal inundation and storm damage.
As well as helping to manage flood risks to property, it also helps to promote wider biodiversity and water quality.
Tree-planting, for example, not only takes CO2 out of the air, it slows water simply by reducing the amount of water reaching the ground.
Also on the list are so-called leaky dams, which consist of trees or logs that fall or are placed into a river’s channel. They begin to gather debris and reduce river speed during higher flows, but still allow some water through. This delays the floodwater as it powers its way downstream.
They are most effective when in a series along the same watercourse.
Leaky dams also create better water quality for life behind the barrier, prevent soil erosion, stabilise riverbanks and act as a spawning ground for aquatic life and a roosting habitat for nesting birds.
Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths said: “I would like to thank our risk management authorities who have responded promptly and positively to the invite for applications which I announced in April. I am very pleased to see that all of those schemes which were submitted have now been approved for delivery.
“The NFM programme is one of a number of improvements I set out in the spring to support risk management authorities to reduce flood risk and accelerate the delivery of schemes which will help defend homes and build resilience to the increased risks of climate change.
“NFM is a key part of our ambitious approach to preventing flooding to communities as set out in our new National Strategy for Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management.”
HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to a beloved choir leader who served the music scene in Wales for decades.
Dorothy Davies Ingram, 83, devoted many years to her role of deputy conductor and accompanist with Pontypridd Male Voice Choir – also known as Cor Meibion Pontypridd.
Not only was the conductor a stalwart of the choir for 53 years, but she was also awarded the British Empire Medal for her services to music.
Born in Cilfynydd in 1937, Dorothy was an only child and was encouraged to learn the piano at an early age.
This was something she later studied part-time at what is now known as the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.
Dorothy first sang for Cor Meibion when she was only 14, and later joined in 1965 as a resident accompanist.
After dedicating her life to music in the area, Dorothy passed away peacefully at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital back in June after being diagnosed with cancer.
Following her death, the choir has paid a fitting tribute to Dorothy to honour her life and memory.
A statement by Cor Meibion Pontypridd read: “In these times of lockdown restrictions and uncertainty it has been hard to say goodbye to family, loved ones and indeed, good friends.
“Each loss hits like a thunderbolt, and recently Pontypridd has been hit with the same shockwave with the loss of one of its favourite daughters.
“Dorothy was a driving force not only in local musical, choral and religious communities of Rhondda Cynon Taf, but extended beyond our national boundaries where she was held in the highest esteem.
“Cor Meibion Pontypridd regards Dorothy’s contributions in musicianship and leadership in choral music as her greatest gift to our communities.
“She served the choir loyally with