ADA and CLA to host Keeping Our Rivers Flowing Summit

Keeping Our Rivers Flowing – a joint summit hosted by ADA and the CLA to highlight the need for improved river management across whole catchments, seeking a clear national direction towards a better balance of environmental enhancement, social consideration and thriving local economies.

Following an increasing frequency of flooding from our rivers in past years and the devastating effects they have on the environment, people and local economies, ADA and the CLA have collaborated to bring real attention to the need for better everyday management and maintenance of our rivers throughout England. Hosting the online ‘Keeping Our Rivers Flowing’ Summit on 24 June, ADA and the CLA aim to increase awareness of not only the serious issues which many rivers face, particularly in slow-flowing, lowland areas, but also the practical steps which are already being taken in certain areas to improve restricted rivers flows and capacities.

About the event, Robert Caudwell, ADA’s chair said “This is not about the wholesale dredging of our rivers but entirely focused on evidence-based targeting of needs using a range of tools, including desilting, natural flood management in upper reaches of rivers, water storage, vegetation and weed management, and proper investment in regular maintenance of the near £50bn national portfolio of embankments, pumps and sluices which help reduce flood risk to over 5 million people”

Commenting on the role that landowners and farmers play in protecting rural communities and the wider water environment, the CLA’s Head of Policy, Judicaelle Hammond, added “The very nature of rivers and water flows means that everyone – upstream and downstream – must play their part to reduce the impact of flooding to those most at risk. Landowners and farmers are using nature-based solutions to protect communities downstream, but support and investment is needed from the government to maintain our main rivers.”

The morning event will be taking place online with keynote speakers from both Defra and the Environment Agency and senior representatives from Lead Local Flood Authorities and NFU also participating. Attendance at the event is open to all on a first-come-first-served basis and details and how to register can be found at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/keeping-our-rivers-flowing-summit-hosted-by-ada-and-the-cla-registration-153628144917

ENDS

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Notes to Editors

ADA
ADA is the membership organisation for those involved in drainage, water level and flood risk management. Its members include Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs), the Environment Agency, Regional Flood Defence Committees, Local Authorities, Natural Resources Wales, the Northern Ireland Rivers Agency, Consultants, Contractors and Suppliers.

ADA is involved in a wide range of work for and on behalf of its members helping to exchange ideas towards solving common problems and finding new, better ways of working. ADA responds to consultations from the Government, either on behalf of members or assisting with individual member responses. It represents all interests nationally and locally in relation to drainage, water level and flood risk management, for example, in relation to legislation and public inquiries. ADA acts together with other organisations to pursue the Association’s objectives, including linking to Europe through ADA’s membership of EUWMA, the European Union of Water Management Associations.

ADA obtains and shares information on matters of importance and interest to members, and provides advice on technical and administrative problems. ADA is supported by a volunteer network of branches which bring together members for meetings at a regional level. ADA organises exhibitions and meetings for the benefit of members, maintains a website at www.ada.org.uk and publishes the quarterly ADA Gazette.

ADA is a limited company with offices based at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire. ADA welcomes enquiries from the press and can be contacted during normal weekday office hours on 02476 992889 or by e-mail at admin@ada.org.uk.

For press enquiries please contact:
Eur Ing J Innes Thomson BSc CEng FICE
Chief Executive
Association of Drainage Authorities
Rural Innovation Centre, Avenue H, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire CV8 2LG
Office: 02476 992889
Website: www.ada.org.uk

Ryan Dixon
Publications & Communications Officer
Association of Drainage Authorities
Rural Innovation Centre, Avenue H, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, CV8 2LG
Office Tel: 02476 992 889
Email: ryan.dixon@ada.org.uk

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