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Start with what
you want to understand.
Choose a topic, explore the guide and ask a question if you need help finding your next step.
Understanding flood assessments
Trying to make sense of a strategic flood risk assessment or a map?
- A useful first step
- Identify the source, date and scenario shown. Note which flood sources are covered and whether future conditions or residual risks are discussed.
- If you ask a question
- The map or report title, the decision it relates to, and the passage you would like explained.
Reading flood and drainage reports
A technical report should help you understand the question being answered.
- A useful first step
- Look for the purpose of the assessment, the information it relies on, its assumptions and any further work recommended. Separate what is evidenced from what remains uncertain.
- If you ask a question
- A link to the public report or a short relevant extract, plus your question.
Water around buildings
Roofs, gutters, paved areas and drainage routes are connected.
- A useful first step
- Start by describing where water appears, when it happens and the surfaces around it. A simple sketch can help explain the pattern.
- If you ask a question
- A general description of the building and grounds, what you have observed and when.
Rain gardens and sustainable drainage
Could rain have a slower route through your garden, school or street?
- A useful first step
- Explore what swales, rain gardens, storage and permeable surfaces do. Consider available space, where water comes from and where it would go next.
- If you ask a question
- The type of place, the opportunity you have in mind and any known drainage constraints.
Looking after SuDS
Not sure what a drainage feature is or how it should be maintained?
- A useful first step
- Find out what the feature was designed to do and whether there is a maintenance plan. Note visible changes, sediment, vegetation and any recurring problems.
- If you ask a question
- The feature type, any available maintenance information and a description of the concern.
River restoration
Interested in a healthier river or better connections with its floodplain?
- A useful first step
- Explore how channels, banks, floodplains and surrounding land work together. Think about the problem you want to address and who else knows the river.
- If you ask a question
- A general location, the issue or opportunity, and any local group already involved.
Natural flood management
Could changes across the land help slow and store runoff?
- A useful first step
- Read about woodland, wetlands, soils and floodplains. Consider the wider catchment and how proposed changes might be maintained and monitored.
- If you ask a question
- The type of land, the observed runoff issue and what you hope to understand.
Flooding and property resilience
Looking for a clearer starting point for your home or business?
- A useful first step
- Learn the difference between measures intended to resist water entry and changes that help recovery. Keep general guidance separate from advice specific to the property.
- If you ask a question
- The type of flooding you are concerned about and the question you need answered.
Rainfall capture and water reuse
Want to make better use of rain where it falls?
- A useful first step
- Explore how storage and gardens can work together. Think about the intended use, available space and ongoing care before choosing a system.
- If you ask a question
- The setting and what you would like to use the captured rainwater for.
Community questions and shared learning
Trying to explain a local water issue or bring people into a discussion?
- A useful first step
- Start with a clear question and gather observations. Maps, photographs and plain-language explanations can help people compare what they know.
- If you ask a question
- The audience, the issue and what would make the information more useful.