New case studies highlight work of

local councils in tackling flooding

This exciting document – the first of its kind in the parish and town council sector – has been published under the banner of the Rural Flood Resilience Partnership, which aims to strengthen collaboration, better understand the unique vulnerabilities of rural areas, support rural communities to strengthen their flood resilience and support adaptation opportunities to reduce flood impacts.

Corinne Pluchino, Chief Executive, Action with Communities in Rural England, said: “The hot, dry summer of 2026 left many rural communities that were already vulnerable to flooding facing heightened risks.

“Following an extended period of dry weather, even a single intense rainfall event could have devastating consequences.

“These case studies of real-life preparedness highlight the practical actions communities have taken to preserve both lives and livelihoods from extreme weather and demonstrate how others can adopt similar best practice.

“As the cooler, wetter months draw closer, I hope these accounts of lived experience help others living with similar risks to plan, prepare and, most importantly, protect.”

The document featuring tailored case studies from five parish and town councils in rural areas.

Alcester Town Council, Cubbington Parish Council, Great Alne Parish Council, Heighington Parish Council and Nether Whitacre Parish Council contribute to the RFRP work plan to ensure that planning for future flood resilience is being routinely considered by rural communities and those working with them.

Each case study is in depth and provides details on relevant statistics, the type of flooding experienced, what was the problem or issue, what action was taken, and how the community was involved in resolving the problem.

At the end of the document, individual and overall key learnings from the five case studies are provided.

A further five case studies will be published by March 2027.

Click here to download the full case study document.