Celebrating the Wonders of Nature-based Solutions

August 18, 2021

Nature-based solutions (NBS) are becoming ever more prevalent when it comes to improving natural and modified ecosystems. As awareness of the damaging impacts of climate change grows and an understanding that improvements need to be made, NBS are one aspect of change that we can implement to address societal challenges, whilst supporting ecosystems.

Our specialist’s knowledge and experience of developing and implementing NBS means they know the most appropriate solution for the problem at hand. Over the course of the next coming weeks, we are celebrating the different ways our experts have practically implemented nature-based solutions into projects across a range of sectors, providing our clients with solutions that deliver environmental and societal benefits, as well as improved natural water systems.


Example projects include: 


The National Forest Company

The National Forest Company required our expertise to help identify methods that would reduce flood risk to a built-up area further down the catchment. Based on their requirements for low-cost, low maintenance solutions, our surface water team identified a range of NFM measures that would be suitable to reduce flood risk. 

The Heart of England Forest

A reedbed water treatment system was designed and installed by our team to meet regulatory requirements. The Heart of England Forest requested solutions that would fit with their charity objectives and environmental ethos. Nature-based solutions provided a suitable way forward for their upgraded effluent treatment systems. 

Envireau Water's Internal Research

To stay at the forefront of nature-based solutions and relevant technologies, an internal research project was carried out to advance our technical understanding. We pushed technical boundaries and evaluated the extent at which our hydrodynamic models could accurately quantify the effectiveness of various NFM measures for downstream peak discharge flooding events.

Nature-based Solutions Overview

Nature-based solutions come in many forms, providing solutions that not only protect and restore ecosystems, but also provide societal benefits. Take a read of our overview sheet to learn more about NBS and how we may be able to support your project.

If you think nature-based solutions could be the solution for you, get in touch with our expert, RebeccaHaw@envireauwater.co.uk or give us a call on

01332 871 882 to learn more about the benefits that can be gained from implementing nature-based solutions. 

Share

Changes to flood risk guidance in Wales

By Rachael Plant • April 30, 2025
Understanding both current and future flood risk in Wales is essential for helping planners, developers and landowners understand how flood risk is assessed within the planning process, ensuring that new developments are resilient and sustainable. Originally published in 2004, the Welsh Government recently published a significantly revised Technical Advice Note (TAN) 15 on 31st March, detailing critical changes to flood risk guidance. What are the key updates? Development types: The classification of development types has been updated and expanded. Categories now include Highly Vulnerable, Less Vulnerable, and Water-Compatible developments. Examples of Highly Vulnerable uses include all residential buildings, hospitals, schools, and emergency services infrastructure. This classification determines where development may be acceptable depending on the level of flood risk.

Published in Rail Professional: Compliance in the Rail Sector

By Michael Underwood • April 28, 2025
Recently, we were thrilled to team up with Rail Professional to share our insights and expertise on this trade effluent compliance in the Rail Industry, featuring our very own, Michael Underwood! Michael is a Senior Hydrologist at Envireau Water, a specialist water management consultancy. As a Chartered Water and Environmental Manager (C.WEM), Michael has 10 years’ experience in flood risk management and drainage, surface water hydrology, drainage design and river management. He also serves on the committee of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Management (CIWEM) East Midlands Branch.

Recent Environment Agency Updates

By Rachael Plant • April 8, 2025
Since December 2024, the Environment Agency (EA) have released a series of flood and coastal erosion risk assessment updates, offering a clearer, more comprehensive picture of both current and future flood risk across England. What makes these updates so important? With approximately 6.3 million properties in England at risk of flooding and 3,500 properties at risk of coastal erosion by 2055, these updates are absolutely critical in order for you to protect and enhance your developments against the threat of climate change and extreme weather events. Whether a commercial or residential development, Envireau Water specialise in flood risk management and sustainable drainage solutions across the UK. By leveraging our technical expertise and deep knowledge of the UK regulatory system, we are known for achieving a positive outcome for even the most complex of challenges. Keep reading to find out what these updates mean for you.
Show More

Changes to flood risk guidance in Wales

By Rachael Plant • April 30, 2025
Understanding both current and future flood risk in Wales is essential for helping planners, developers and landowners understand how flood risk is assessed within the planning process, ensuring that new developments are resilient and sustainable. Originally published in 2004, the Welsh Government recently published a significantly revised Technical Advice Note (TAN) 15 on 31st March, detailing critical changes to flood risk guidance. What are the key updates? Development types: The classification of development types has been updated and expanded. Categories now include Highly Vulnerable, Less Vulnerable, and Water-Compatible developments. Examples of Highly Vulnerable uses include all residential buildings, hospitals, schools, and emergency services infrastructure. This classification determines where development may be acceptable depending on the level of flood risk.

Published in Rail Professional: Compliance in the Rail Sector

By Michael Underwood • April 28, 2025
Recently, we were thrilled to team up with Rail Professional to share our insights and expertise on this trade effluent compliance in the Rail Industry, featuring our very own, Michael Underwood! Michael is a Senior Hydrologist at Envireau Water, a specialist water management consultancy. As a Chartered Water and Environmental Manager (C.WEM), Michael has 10 years’ experience in flood risk management and drainage, surface water hydrology, drainage design and river management. He also serves on the committee of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Management (CIWEM) East Midlands Branch.

Recent Environment Agency Updates

By Rachael Plant • April 8, 2025
Since December 2024, the Environment Agency (EA) have released a series of flood and coastal erosion risk assessment updates, offering a clearer, more comprehensive picture of both current and future flood risk across England. What makes these updates so important? With approximately 6.3 million properties in England at risk of flooding and 3,500 properties at risk of coastal erosion by 2055, these updates are absolutely critical in order for you to protect and enhance your developments against the threat of climate change and extreme weather events. Whether a commercial or residential development, Envireau Water specialise in flood risk management and sustainable drainage solutions across the UK. By leveraging our technical expertise and deep knowledge of the UK regulatory system, we are known for achieving a positive outcome for even the most complex of challenges. Keep reading to find out what these updates mean for you.

World Water Day 2025

By Rachael Plant • March 21, 2025
Climate change is an urgent issue we cannot ignore, and requires the collective action of communities across the globe if the worst effects are to be mitigated. From rising sea levels, extreme weather events to a loss of biodiversity, the potential impacts are widespread. However, this world water day, the focus is rightly on glacial preservation - our planet's largest natural freshwater reservoir. Why is it important? At Envireau Water, we recognise the widespread impact that glacial meltwater has across the whole planet, leading to the escalation of more extreme weather events as a result. Not only does this impact the environment with the disruption of ecosystems and water cycles, but also has a profound impact on society and industries reliant on a stable water supply. As a team of water scientists, we have witnessed first-hand the undeniable impact that flooding and drought events have had on the mineral, agricultural, industrial and development sectors, from failing crops and flooded farmland to a halt in distilling operations and delayed development projects, the ripple effects of these events are felt across communities and businesses alike.
Show More