Two major transport links, the M5 motorway and the Great Western Main Railway line, run alongside the River Culm for around 10 miles. Historically, concrete, stone, and steel have protected this critical infrastructure from natural forces. However, as climate change intensifies flood risk and pollution pressures on the river’s ecosystems, National Highways and Network Rail are turning to nature for resilient solutions.
National Highways is advancing plans to construct wetlands that absorb road pollutants before they reach the river, with construction expected to start later this year. Additionally, funding is being sought to create species-rich grasslands in the Blackdown Hills to support the rare Marsh Fritillary butterfly.
Network Rail has secured funding to explore nature-based solutions to reduce flood risk at Hele Junction. Their newly formed Climate Adaptation team is investigating ways to protect the railway using natural methods. They visited leaky dams in the Ken catchment and observed efforts to slow water flow in the Culm headwaters.
The funding allows for modelling concept designs to store more water on the floodplain during major flood events. If successful, detailed designs will follow, complementing ongoing efforts to reduce flood and drought risks and support nature recovery across the catchment.
Find out more at Connecting the Culm
Find out more at Connecting the Culm
