Volunteers from across the Cotswolds have been praised for their innovative work to restrict flooding caused by the River Stour.

The Shipston Area Flood Action Group (SAFAG), formed in 2014, is part of a government pilot to use Natural Flood Management techniques to control water levels.

Since 2017, the group has installed more than 800 interventions, including leaky barriers, ponds and trees, to hold back and slow the flow from upstream during periods of heavy rainfall.

Geoff Smith, who joined the group in 2016, said: “Although my house isn’t one of those at risk of flooding, I was inspired and motivated to help the group to reduce flooding in Shipston.

“People in the community have said it has made a difference and after last winter’s heavy rain we saw much less flooding than expected.

“The interventions won’t stop a major flood, but they can help to reduce the frequency of flooding.”

The work benefits not only Shipston but 16 other towns and villages in the area.

In Shipston there are around 85 homes and businesses at risk of flooding with another 30 in the immediate area also at risk.

On Monday, November 1, the group was highlighted in a government report on the Natural Flood Management Programme and it has also been presented the Environment Agency Flood and Coast Excellence 2021 Award for Community Partnership.

David Hudson, environment manager for the Environment Agency in West Midlands, said: “It’s fantastic to see the amazing work that volunteers have undertaken in and around Shipston to make these step-changes to their immediate environment to ease the impact of rainfall in the River Stour catchment.

“Reducing flood risk through nature-based solutions is not new to flood management, but what is changing is our understanding of how to work with others to implement the most effective blend of measures in the right locations.”

James Bevan, chief executive of the Environment Agency, added: “Natural flood management has a crucial role to play as we help the country adapt to climate change, and this programme demonstrates the huge benefits it can offer to reducing the impacts of flooding as well as capturing carbon and creating habitats for wildlife.”