Property flood resilience -Yorkshire Pathfinder Project
We supported the Yorkshire Pathfinder Project team in conducting a detailed baseline study to form an accurate picture of the barriers that exist to the uptake of Property Flood Resilience (PFR). Thanks to our support, they developed innovative tools that helped individuals, businesses, and community groups take action to mitigate the risk of flooding.
- Client: Defra
- Location: Yorkshire
- Partners: Integrated Catchment Solutions Programme (iCASP) - University of Leeds and City of York Council
- Services
Challenge
One of three Defra-commissioned pathfinder projects in England, the Yorkshire Flood Resilience PFR Pathfinder project was led by the City of York Council on behalf of the 14 Lead Local Flood Authorities across Yorkshire.
Working alongside the Integrated Catchment Solutions Programme (iCASP) team our objective was to identify the barriers that exist to the uptake of PFR and what could be done to address this. As a key project partner, we were tasked with supporting the Yorkshire Pathfinder project team to develop tools to help individuals, businesses and communities manage their own flood risk.
Solution
With the iCASP team and stakeholder groups across the Yorkshire Regional Flood and Coastal Committee (RFCC), we conducted a baseline study to better understand any barriers that exist to the uptake PFR.
The results of this study were then used to create a strategy and develop tools to help overcome barriers to the uptake of PFR, whilst also encouraging future uptake to mainstream delivery of this type of flood risk management action.
We played an active role in supporting the Yorkshire Pathfinder project team to develop a range of resources. Some of which included a new website, downloadable resources, and an educational game for children.
Benefit
By conducting a detailed baseline study, we were able to create an accurate picture of the barriers that exist to the uptake of PFR. Between December 2020 and September 2021, the Yorkshire Flood Resilience PFR project reached around two million people across Yorkshire with its messaging. This included a bus campaign, a dedicated social media presence, and a YouTube series.
The project formed part of the Government’s plan to create a nation ready for and resilient to climate change, by raising awareness and levels of take-up of PFR in order to prepare and manage their flood risk. Our project evaluation will help shape future work aimed at supporting the Environment Agency’s ambition to mainstream PFR; and help encourage wider take-up of PFR by property owners at flood risk.
For more information about this project please contact Shelley Evans or download a full project overview here.