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Natural solutions to flooding deliver £2.9 million in benefits to Cheltenham and Gloucester — with more on the way

Plock Court Wetland

A pioneering project using nature-based solutions to tackle flooding, support wildlife and engage communities has delivered major results across Cheltenham and Gloucester – and now a second phase is set to expand the success into Stroud and Tewkesbury.

Since 2023, the Waterscapes project has delivered over 10 bespoke nature-based solutions (NBS) to help reduce flooding across urban and peri-urban sites. Natural features – including leaky dams, newly created wetlands, and sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), such as rain gardens – work to slow the flow of water and reduce flood risk in vulnerable communities. The financial benefit of these water storage solutions is valued at £2.99m over 10 years and £6.79m over 30 years.

Led by Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust (GWT), Waterscapes was made possible thanks to the support of founding partner RSA Insurance, an Intact company. The project is part of RSA Insurance’s commitment to building resilient communities and helping people, businesses and society adapt to a changing climate.

Waterscapes was recently recognised as a national case study in The Wildlife Trusts’ Assessing the multiple benefits of Natural Flood Management report. This demonstrates the power of nature-based solutions not just for climate resilience, but also for delivering long-term economic returns.

Lizzie Hall, Community Project Manager at GWT, said:

“Waterscapes has proven that even small-scale, nature-based changes in urban environments can have a big impact. The results in Cheltenham and Gloucester show that we can reduce flood risk, support wildlife and create better places for people – all at once.”

Gloucester Royal Hospital Rain Garden

Gloucester Royal Hospital Rain Garden

Phase one success:

  • 2,989,078.2 litres of water can now be stored during heavy rainfall events, reducing pressure on traditional drainage systems.
  • 120.35 m2 of surfaces de-paved and/or replaced with permeable surfaces, reducing surface run-off into drainage systems.
  • 290 new plants added to areas where there were previously none, supporting pollinators and creating nature corridors for wildlife.
  • 10+ nature-based solutions implemented including wetland creation, leaky dams, swales, rain gardens, green roofed shelters and driveway de-paves.
  • 30 community events, engaging over 3,500 people, including over 1,000 school children in volunteering and educational workshops.

Phase two: expanding benefits to Stroud and Tewkesbury

Building on this success, Stroud and Tewkesbury Waterscapes will launch in spring 2025, thanks to continued support from RSA Insurance, and a growing network of partners joining the project. The new phase will scale up proven natural flood management (NFM)  and SuDS interventions and explore new opportunities to unlock match funding, while deepening partnerships with community groups, businesses and local councils.

The focus remains on biodiversity, flood resilience, and community engagement. Residents in Stroud and Tewkesbury will be engaged to take part through citizen science, nature-based volunteering, and local events.

Alison Gardner, Head of UK&I Social Impact and ESG, at RSA Insurance, an Intact Company, said:

“We have been on the frontlines of extreme weather events alongside our customers for decades. We have seen firsthand the damage that flooding can cause and how communities can struggle to recover and rebuild.

“Projects like Waterscapes are working to make a difference in the lives of people who live in flood-prone areas and are helping to build resilient communities.”

Want to get involved?

GWT is inviting community groups, landowners, and businesses in the Stroud and Tewkesbury to express interest in working together on this next phase. To find out more or get involved, visit: Gloucester and Cheltenham Waterscapes Project | Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust

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