Author(s): Guglielmo Sonnino Sorisio; Daniel Jones; Tsz Fung; Jed Ramsay; Mike Adams; Catherine A. M. E. Wilson
Linked Author(s): Mike Adams, Catherine A. M. E. Wilson
Keywords: Nature-based solutions natural flood management NbS NFM leaky barrier
Abstract: Monitoring of Natural Flood Management projects is an essential aspect in validating this approach for flood mitigation and to facilitate the utilization of this type of nature based solution more widely. One of the challenges of NFM monitoring is that this technique relies on the local geography and geology, therefore making most sites distinctly different and not always directly comparable. A tributary of the River Corve in Shropshire, UK, with a drainage area of 5.3 km2 was equipped with 105 leaky barriers, four of which were subsequently instrumented and monitored for 6 years. Pressure transducers, rain gauges, soil moisture sensors and a flowmeter were deployed to capture barrier and catchment scale data. Over time, the effect of the barriers on the flow and their water storage capabilities have evolved. During the monitoring period similar storms were identified and barrier and catchment performance across paired storm events were compared. More field sites with varying geographical, geological and weather characteristics are currently being instrumented for monitoring. These sites feature high bed slopes and highly permeable geology that make each site unique. A rapid method for estimating the water storage potential has been developed based on LiDAR data and empirical data from existing monitored barriers.
Year: 2025