Farnley Wood Beck Legacy Information

Farnley Wood Beck Flood Alleviation Scheme Legacy Information

Why did we undertake the Farnley Wood Beck Flood Alleviation Scheme?

There are 15 residential properties on Old Close at risk of flooding from Farnley Wood Beck, with two notable flood events in the area in 2000 and 2005. Prior to the completion of the scheme, the risk of flooding to these properties was estimated to be greater than 5% chance of flooding in any given year.

In the channel by these properties on Old Close, there was a disused mill chase structure that provided no useful function. The structure was in poor condition, and there was a risk that it could collapse, which would increase flood risk further in the area.

What did we do?

Our investigation into potential solutions identified that flood risk to Old Close from Farnley Wood Beck could be reduced by removing the redundant mill chase to increase the capacity of the beck.

In addition, we conducted vegetation management along the channel to reduce the risk of woody debris causing blockages downstream.

See below for some images of the area before and after our works:

Overgrown vegetation around the channel prior to the scheme

The channel after the scheme, clear of debris and without the redundant mill chase

What is the impact on flood risk from the scheme?

The completed scheme has reduced the flood risk to 15 properties in the area from a 5% chance of flooding in any given year, to a 1% chance of flooding in any given year.

What is the wider impact of the scheme?

The vegetation management along the channel has improved the aesthetics of the area by revealing a greenspace that was previously overgrown and collecting debris.

We have reinstated this area using a seed mix that, when established, will provide a diverse mix of low maintenance vegetation. This mix will provide benefits for a greater variety of wildlife, without the need for constant management.

What’s next for the scheme?

The Leeds City Council Flood Risk Management Team are currently exploring options for natural flood management methods in the wider Farnley Wood Beck catchment.

Work is underway to identify areas that would be suitable for tree planting, soil aeration, leaky dams and other natural flood management methods. This would help to slow the flow of water and reduce flood risk throughout the catchment, improve water quality, capture carbon and create new habitat for wildlife.

For more information on natural flood management, you can watch this series of videos from Cumbria Wildlife Trust.