A NEW community flood defence scheme to protect villagers in Wolverley has been launched with a ceremonial tree planting.

During the year, local volunteers guided by Wolverley Flood Forum will plant thousands of trees with support from the National Flood Forum and 10:10 Climate Action.

Trees offer a natural way of slowing down the flow of water and it is hoped the risk of flooding will be reduced while also helping to combat a contributor to such disaster – climate change.

The pilot project is funded by Postcode Local Trust, a grant-giving charity funded entirely by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, and Aviva Community Fund.

During the past decade, Wolverley has been flooded on four occasions.

Chris Rees of Wolverley Flood Forum said: “Having been a flood victim with my family of two teenage girls and my wife Lynne plus dog and cats and chickens I remember the grief and stress a flood event can create.

“My elderly mother and other vulnerable village residents were also affected and in many ways we became responsible for helping them, both during the floods of 2007, and the big clear up after, plus 12 months of works to get straight.

“Wolverley is a beautiful place, like many places near to water. Here we are in a steep valley and if nature contrives to throw a deluge at you, your heart can miss a beat.

“We are hoping the natural flood management scheme will help to improve things and reduce the flood risk to the village and its residents. The opportunity we have will hopefully benefit us for many generations to come.”

Ellie Roberts, campaign manager at 10:10 Climate Action said: “With climate change set to make flooding more common, the people of Wolverley are taking a lead to better protect themselves.

“The thousands of trees they'll plant next year will not only help the community be more resilient to flooding, they'll also suck carbon from the atmosphere, helping us all keep global warming to a minimum.”

And Paul Cobbing, Chief Executive of the National Flood Forum, said: “The work being done in Wolverley is a perfect example of what can be done and the ability of communities to lead.”