Helping rural communities prepare for flooding

Flooding is one of the biggest challenges facing rural communities today.

When rivers burst their banks or heavy rain overwhelms drainage systems, it’s often parish and town councils that step in first by supporting residents, coordinating emergency responses and planning for recovery.

But how can parish councils become more resilient and better prepared for the future?

Last year, the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) joined a meeting of the Environment Agency’s Rural Flooding Resilience Partnership (RFRP) to tackle this very question.

One key outcome was a commitment to help councils consider flood resilience when working with their communities, including when writing Neighbourhood Development Plans.

Listening to local voices

To make sure any support is practical and relevant, NALC teamed up with Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) to hear directly from parish and town councils.

Together, the two organisations launched a survey in July 2025 asking parish councils about a range of issues related to flooding, including their experiences, what steps they have taken to reduce risk, the partnerships they rely on and the kind of help they need to strengthen resilience.

The survey was distributed to parish councils via their county associations and ran between 2 July and 29 August.

The response was fantastic, with nearly 600 responses received over eight weeks.

This provided a rich picture of what’s happening on the ground and where extra support could make a real difference.

What was learned from the responses?

The survey revealed some striking insights.

More than three-quarters of respondents reported that their area had experienced flooding at some point, highlighting just how widespread the issue is across rural communities.

Nearly half of councils have already identified flood risk as a priority within their local plans, which shows growing awareness and commitment to resilience planning.

Encouragingly, many councils expressed a strong willingness to share their experiences and examples of best practice, creating an opportunity for peer-to-peer learning.

Respondents emphasized the need for practical support, with frequent requests for training sessions and workshops focused on flood preparedness.

There was particular interest in guidance on how to interpret and use flood risk data effectively, as well as resources that showcase real-world case studies and successful community-led initiatives.

Several councils also highlighted gaps in knowledge around emergency response coordination, community engagement strategies and funding opportunities for resilience projects.

This feedback underlines the importance of creating accessible tools and forums in which councils can exchange ideas, learn from proven approaches and build confidence in tackling flood risk.

What happens next?

NALC and ACRE have already started reviewing the results and sharing early findings with rural networks.

The next steps will include:

• Practical guidance on how councils can build flood resilience into local plans

• Case studies and success stories from communities that have taken action

• Forums and events in which councils can share ideas and learn from each other

Why it matters

Flooding isn’t just about damaged homes and washed-out roads.

It upends daily life, threatens livelihoods and weakens community resilience.

The good news?

By working together, councils, local communities and national organisations can build stronger, safer rural areas that are better prepared for future challenges.

If you’re part of a parish or town council, stay tuned for updates from NALC and ACRE.

There will be plenty of chances to get involved, access practical resources and to share your experiences to help shape solutions that truly work.

For more information, contact Paul Dixon, Rural Evidence Manager, at p.dixon@acre.org.uk.

Find out more about the work of the National Association of Local Councils at www.nalc.gov.uk.