How to minimise and slow water flow rates thus reducing flooding

“How to minimise and slow water flow rates thus reducing flooding by use of ecological planting and sustainable urban design techniques in the landscape.”

As Britain braces itself for more wet weather in December, the high rain fall levels last week which led to flooding in Cumbria lead us to ask again; how can we minimise and slow water flow rates thus reducing flooding by use of ecological planting and sustainable urban design techniques in the landscape?

The high rainfall which caused the flooding last week in Cockermouth, Cumbria, was so extreme that the Environment Agency said that a flooding event was likely to happen only once in 1,000 years. However with the El Nino effect, this once in a 1,000 year rainfall event may become increasingly common in Britain and elsewhere, in wet months, when high rainfall continues to fall on already saturated ground. We really do need to press on with the implementation of recommendations as set out by The Pitt report.

Floods are notoriously difficult to predict, for meteorological and earth science reasons. Sheer scale of human tragedy and loss, plus millions of pounds worth of damage, mean that modelling firms must continue to work apace to search for ways of accurately predicting floods.

However, we must also seek swift and widespread landscape design and ecologically sound landscape management solutions to flood alleviation.
1) We will need to start planting more trees, in river catchment areas, such as the Cumbrian hills. We all need to contemplate planting more trees where space allows, as this will help to slow rainwater flow rates, giving more time to react to flooding- saving lives.
2) Woodlands should be actively managed and schemes integrated into flood management.
3) Deciduous trees are best as their leaf litter helps to absorb the rainfall and this helps to slow surface water flow rates following high rainfall, thus lowering the incidence of flooding.
4) We need to increase water storage on upland areas, rather than drain these areas too quickly as has been done in the past (where drains placed in Victorian times still hasten the flow of water from upland areas for historically traditional land management practices such as grazing by sheep.)
5) Designing large lakes and ponds and SUDs for upland areas and river catchments with high rainfall and other areas with a propensity towards flooding would help.
6) Designing flood alleviation schemes in flood risk areas should continue.
7) All new parking areas and housing hard surfacing must be designed to be permeable, so that water flow rates are slowed, minimising flooding in neighbouring areas downstream.
8) Convert impermeable hard surfacing into permeable surfacing.

Rainfall on this occasion was unusually high;“the highest level measured in England since records began.” (The Times, Nov 21st, 2009) “Meteorologists recorded 314mm (12in) of rain in 24 hours”; the rainfall was also widespread;“ flood warnings remained in place across North West of England, parts of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland;” (The Times, 21st Nov 2009

Professional, pragmatic and innovative skills and research continue to be required to help to produce practical solutions to minimise and slow water flow rates thus reducing flooding. Planting and sustainable urban design techniques can help to minimise flooding due to high rainfall events. For more information visit our flooding web page http://www.landvision.co.uk/services_flooding.html

How to recognise Red Band Needle Blight and Pine needle loss

There has been a dramatic increase in the outbreak of Red Band Needle Blight in Britain since the 1990’s. Red Band Needle Blight affects coniferous trees. Until recently, it was found more in the Southern hemisphere. However, with climate change causing warmer Spring temperatures and higher rainfall in Spring and Summer in Britain, Red Band Needle Blight is more widespread.

So how do you recognise Red Band Needle Blight (Fungus Dothistroma Septosporum) in coniferous trees including Corsican Pine, Lodgepole Pine and other Pines and Larches?

Firstly, this catastrophic disease causes the browning of the ends of pine needles.
It is easiest to spot in May to July when new needles are growing.
Needle defoliation usually starts in lower crown of trees.

Here’s how to recognise Red Band Needle Blight.

Do your coniferous trees look red/brown and the needles are dying off?
Are the defoliating needles leaving bare patches on the branches?
Other signs to look for;
• In late Autumn, yellow bands or tan spots start at the point of infection. These bands soon turn red/red brown.
• End of needles die back to the lowest point of infection.
• *Characteristic browning at distal ends of needles whilst the base remains green.(This is especially easy to spot on needles of 1 year or older.)
• Best time to look for signs of Red band Needle Blight is May- July with new needle flush.
• Defoliation starts in lower crown in plantations where disease is active.
• Disease commences on older needles, (though foliage of any age can be affected.)
• Lower branches can lose all their needles.
• In Autumn, once needles are shed, the tree crowns look sparse as old needles drop off.
• Isolated tufts of current year’s needles are left and remain at branch tips.


Pines are the most economically significant tree species in the world (Ian Noel, pers comm.)Red Band Needle Blight causes catastrophic lowering of forestry yields and economic loss as well as a considerable aesthetic loss to woodlands and the decline in visual and landscape amenity.

The disease has its most pronounced effect on Corsican Pine (Pinus nigra ssp Laricio) Corsican pine is the main conifer grown in Britain as it makes up 21% of Britain’s coniferous planting.
It also causes lasting damage to Lodgepole Pine (Pinus contorta var Latifolia.)

Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) can be susceptible when it is located close to stands of wood with a high concentration of infected trees. The worse affected trees are also the three most planted Pines species grown in Britain. So, the recognition of Red band Needle Blight is vital in its control.

Other species affected;
Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis)
Radiata Pine (Pinus radiata)
Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa)
Austrian Pine(Pinus nigra)
Bishops Pine (Pinus muricata)
Maritime Pine (Pinus maritime)
Weymouth Pine (Pinus strobus)
Pinus Mugo ssp Uncinata (Mountain Pine) and Pinus Peuce (Macedonian Pine.)


Apart from Pines, other conifers affected are;
European Larch (Larix decidua)
Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
Norway Spruce (Picea Abies)
Sitka Spruce.

These are affected when located close to a highly infected crop.
The seedlings of these trees are also affected.

• This disease has a striking effect on diameter and height growth in trees as well as the loss of aesthetic value. (A mean crown infection of 70% resulted in a 68% decrease in mean annual volume.) (Brown, unpublished data.)
• Once crown infection exceeds 40%, the increment loss is more than 40% (Forestry Commission statistics.)
• Control is by thinning trees, stand manipulation, pruning and by reduction in dense understorey which cause higher humidity levels at base of crown and favour development of the pathogen (Villebonne & Maugard, 1999)

There is currently a moratorium in Forestry Commission plantations on planting of Corsican Pine.
Moreover, there is no replacement species for timber production. Strangely enough, the much maligned Leylandii could become our new timber tree!

As 10 hours or more of needle wetness is required for infection by Dothistroma Septosporum, we will need to continue to adjust our management of coniferous woodlands. Judicious management will be needed to help to slow down this disease which could also affect genetic diversity of the Pinus species.

Without intervention, aesthetic landscape value will continue to be eroded with economic losses caused by Red Band needle Blight in British Woodlands, if the current climatic trend towards warmer British Springs and wetter British summers continues.

Festival of Interdependence 24/10/09

According to radical economists from the nef (New Economics Foundation) Autumn 2009 magazine, time to react to global warming is fast running out.

Climate change experts back this up; they calculate that there are only 100 months (from August 2009) before we pass a point beyond which runaway climate change becomes much more likely to happen.

The Festival of Interdpendance on 24th October, 2009 run by nef , has helped to highlight some of the ways in which we can begin to make small changes. It showed that if we can try to embrace this challenge of a call to action, we can bring about far reaching positive benefits for society as well as slowing climate change.

Social, economic , political and environmental challenges need to be addressed by the next government. The festival brought together thinkers, poets, artists, philosophers, musicians and activists.

Climate change challenges do not exist in isolation; they are interrelated to the social and economic fabric of our society, sometimes in intricate and unforeseen ways. This complexity highlights the need to react locally to the challenge of inter relating social, economic, political and environmental initiatives. It is an exciting time to be working in environment and to be an informed member of the voting public.

We should seek to unravel the tangle that the current economic systems are in, for the social and environmental benefit of all man kind. Equally, do not waste your opportunity to become involved yourselves, to act in a perhaps more socially, politically and environmentally sustainable and enlightened way. This involvement of more of us in our local communities will bring “win- win” results and establish a new status quo.

The clock is ticking. Don’t waste time, get involved with your local community.

Missing duck of Wadhurst.

Transition funding nearly out for a duck.

A luke warm reception was given for Transition initiatives last night at the Parish Council meeting.

It seems that the Wadhurst parish councillors would rather discuss the missing duck than to offer their whole hearted positive support for making their local community more resilient to transition from carbon based society.

Despite some support for the new group;
“This is an organisation worthy of us getting it off the ground...” their actual grasp of how to help Wadhurst to a Transition economy and lifestyle was pretty unedifying.

They do not seem to have grasped the fact that we are all involved in Transition.
That it is not simply the Parish council’s role but moreover its duty to provide not only allotments for residents but also whole hearted support for community initiatives which will give added time to our children to react to the challenges of climate change.

The generally negative attitude was exemplified by one councillor who thought that the group had already spent the money and that were coming to them for help- which he did not think they should give! This patronising attitude was unfortunately widespread amongst them, as was their negative and unenlightened stance to Transition.

But apart from not getting their facts right, the majority of councillors have failed to grasp the real challenges that Transition from carbon based society will mean. The energy saving workshops and practical seed swopping workshops which Transition Wadhurst plan to run locally will offer real and practical help to local residents to shift towards a more resilient society and a community in which more people try to help each other.

Transition seems to be poorly understood by the Parish councillors, who fear it as a militant organisation bringing change. It is not a party political group nor is it affiliated to any political party but wants to involve a whole community. We face challenges. Perhaps I am more militant than other members of Transition and these are my own views.

Transition is a very worthwhile initiative, but only half of the councillors supported it to any significant degree. This is despite the fact that it is in our Parish Plan to support initiatives like this. This is also despite the fact that they have a moral duty to support their local community.

Rotary club Xmas lights, a twinning trip to France and other far “safer options” were given more financial backing and air time than what they saw as “political or controversial issues”; namely, an energy saving workshop run by the Energy Saving Trust and a local food growing/seed swopping workshop initiative.

The Vicar of Dibley springs to mind...Politics at the local level... arcane, negative and befuddled.

The result? Wadhurst PC voted several times with motions to halve the paltry amount requested for the practical workshops to a mere £200, at one point half of the councillors suggesting that they offer only the derisory sum of £100. Some even just a room for the venue or no other help whatsoever. I would expect more from the people I elected to represent me.

Yes, we certainly do seem to have a long way to go to gain true Parish Cpuncil backing.

Transition begins at the individual and local Parish level. But this is precisely the level at which administrators like our parish councillors simply can’t see the wood for the trees. While I think that at a National level we do have braod support, at the local level, the Parish level, we do not. They cannot seem to grasp that this is a cross party movement; nor that it is a positive move towards building community resilience. Nor, can they fully grasp the urgency of the action required. If our future society is to be faced with climate change and fuel poor, we will need to build local resilience into our communities. We will need Parish Councillors whole hearted sipport; we will need them on board. The best way is to start locally.

They would much rather discuss the missing duck, prevent speed limits from being imposed on dangerous roads and dwell on grass clippings’ removal.

Perhaps we should implement some of the 300 + suggestions from the first public meeting of 100 + residents of the village.
All grass verges should be replaced by communal winter salads, beetroots and courgettes.
Safe cycling for 1 mile on every road out from the village.
Zero carbon conversion for all public buildings in the village.

Is this too much to ask?


My own personal view is that perhaps we should start with an educational workshop for our own Parish Councillors to which I would expect every Councillor to turn up.
They have a duty to support and encourage the Transition team to lead the way.

Transition Wadhurst refused Parish Council grant.

Transition Wadhurst refused Parish Council grant.

So, Wadhurst Parish Council members have voted against supporting a community organization?

Do they realise that central government has to reduce CO2 emissions by 80% by 2050?

If so, do they have a road map of how the Parish council will reduce these CO2 emissions?

If not, then they will have to start to work with Transition Wadhurst or groups like us.

This is an initiative which is in the Public Interest and is well supported by over 100 + of the Wadhurst villagers, who elected the Parish Council to represent them.

The Parish Council have a responsibility to act in the Public interest.

If they cannot do so then they should retire and we should take their place.

It is obvious to anyone with half a brain that climate change is a political matter. Therefore, saying that this is political and so cannot be grant aided is rather ostrich like, and not at all helpful. It is political but it needs to be apolitical (cross party.)

Yes, there will criticisms of politicians from all parties. This is normal and this is democratic free speech.

We would suggest that if they are that worried about criticism then they should not stand for re election.

We do not wish to be political in conventional party terms. Everyone has a responsibility to try to reduce their carbon footprint.

The Transition Organisation is apolitical and cross party. This is its strength.

"A picture of happiness"

“ A picture of happiness” was just one of the workshops run on the New Economics Foundation “Interdependance Day” on 24th October, 2009 at Oxo Tower, London.

The NEF sees itself as;
“an independent “think and do tank that inspires and demonstrates real economic well-being... aiming to improve quality of life by promoting innovative solutions that challenge mainstream thinking on economic, environmental and social issues. (They) work in partnership and put people and the planet first.”

“So, the economy is in ruins...unemployment is still rising and we are running out of resources...we are at a cross roads and we need to start thinking about a way forward.”(Samaah Abullah, researcher, NEF)

So, where do we start?

We were asked us to remember a time in our life when we were really happy.

You can do this now. (Don’t look at the themes below the line of asterix yet if you want to think clearly of your own first.)

What was it that made you feel so happy? What are the themes? (Come up with your own- don’t look at the ones listed below for a moment.)
Also, what helped and what detracted from this personal happiness? (Put a + or a – next to them.)

Write them on different coloured paper hexagons, (orange paper hexagon for main themes, green paper hexagon for positive or negative influences.)

Now you could try to slot them together to see if or how they fit together.
This may help you to redress the balance in your life and perhaps to enable you to achieve greater personal happiness?

**********************************************************************************
The themes that our group felt brought us feelings of happiness were;
Achievement
Freedom and creativity
Relationships

Friends
Love
Nature
Spiritual

Other groups’ additional universal happiness themes were;
Peace and tranquillity
Support
Connections

Letting Go
Humour
Shared values

“Instant happiness”
Being what you are
Autonomy- freedom to do your own thing
Making a positive contribution

Community
Carefree time
People joining together

Excitement
Thrill and variety
Beauty

Learning
Empathy

Happiness differs for each individual as it is personal view and no two people are completely alike. Of course the list is different for different people. Not everyone wants to be creative, not everyone derives happiness from exciting pursuits or thrilling exploits! So, different groups came up with different ideas. Some people don’t like variety, whilst others relish change.
Some themes are shared by all people, (universal) whilst others are not. However, amongst all the themes, there are numerous common “threads” of experience; albeit, there are many different ways of achieving happiness.

So, can we blend our ideas and come up with some interlocking ones that will benefit each other?
That way we can perhaps help to rebuild a society in which people feel more included and not isolated. We were asked to think of things that would either help or detract from ability to achieve the above happiness themes.
We had to put a plus or a minus next to them.

The positive themes that PROMOTE the goals of happiness were;

Achievement
Good relationships
Peace

Compromise and balance
Collaboration
Individuality and autonomy

Focus
Trust
Confidence

Stress (+/-)
Resilience
Opportunity

Time (to think)
Positive thinking
Acknowledgement and acceptance

The negative themes that DETRACT from and prevent happiness goals are;

Stress(+/-)
Poverty
Isolation

Empathy ( +/-) ie. can be both a positive and negative force
Inequality(+/-)
Individuality (+/-)
Depression
Lack of confidence
Low self-esteem


The elephant in the room was, of course, money. Money and its role in happiness is very relevant.

Money acts as “a sort of points system, with status attached to people who gain money. It’s a symbol of power and is connected to positive self-esteem.” (Samaah Abdullah, New Economics Foundation)

Making lots of money is associated with thrill, status , addiction, achievement and other less tangible aspects of happiness, such as speed and excitement (an Investment banker.)

To date, happiness has been wielded into the argument for achieving economic success or power, to such an extent that we may sometimes forget what our goals originally were when we started out.

In view of the current economic crisis and rising unemployment, research into happiness is vital. This will enable the potential and talents of individuals to be unlocked, achieving happiness and improved quality of life for more people and arguably, a better society as a result.

You can join the growing debate on how we can measure and achieve happiness other than in economic terms.

We came up with the above list on Interdependance Day, which was organised by NEF.

You can add you comments below
or email researcher Samaah Abdullah at well-being@neweconomics.org

Landvision.