Annabut Lee Farm

Perched high on a dramatic hillside above Cragg Vale, Annabut Lee Farm sits among historic grazing land and stunning upland views. After personally experiencing the devastating effects of flooding while living in Mytholmroyd, the landowners felt a responsibility and a powerful motivation to be part of the solution.

Their goal: to reduce downstream flood risk and restore the natural balance of their land.

The attenuation basin at Annabut Lee Farm

The farm’s steep terrain presented both difficulties and exciting possibilities for Natural Flood Management (NFM). Inspired by a post on the Slow the Flow Facebook page, the landowners discovered the Calderdale NFM Grant Scheme. With support from local environmental organisation Forus Tree, they successfully secured funding and even encouraged a neighbouring landowner to join them in a wider landscape-scale effort.

  • Together, they embraced a range of nature-based solutions, including:
  • Tree and across the slope hedgerow planting
  • Living willow dams
  • The creation of a dry pond (attenuation basin) that fills during heavy rainfall

These features were thoughtfully designed to harmonise with the slope of the land—slowing runoff, boosting biodiversity, and increasing the valley’s resilience to flooding.

Photo: Attenuation basin at Annabut Lee Farm.

Hands inspecting a young tree planted as part of Natural Flood Management work at Annabut Lee.

Resilience in Action

While the project came with its share of surprises, including a deer giving birth on-site, which temporarily delayed tree protection work, the team adapted with creativity and determination. When access challenges made it impossible to use machinery, Forus Tree rolled up their sleeves and dug the attenuation pond by hand.
Completed in late 2024, the project is already showing promising results. The pond is actively reducing rainwater runoff, and the landscape is beginning to flourish with new life. Regular maintenance, such as monitoring tree health, maintaining fences, and controlling invasive Himalayan Balsam, ensures the site continues to thrive.

Photo: One of the 495 trees, and 245m of new hedgerows planted at Annabut Lee Farm funded by the NFM grant. 

Landowner and dog at Annabut Lee farm

Looking Ahead

Though there are no current plans for expansion, the landowners remain committed to the long-term sustainability of the project. They found the grant process manageable and appreciated the guidance and expertise offered by Forus Tree.
Their message to others? Get involved. With the right support and a willingness to work with nature, anyone can make a meaningful difference. They’re proud to have transformed their little hillside into a beacon of resilience, ecological renewal, and community inspiration.

Photo: Landowner Chris and dog Blue 

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