Attenuation basins and tree planting - Sarah’s story

After the devastating 2015 Christmas floods hit Hebden Bridge, Sarah knew she had to take action. Because the Calder Valley’s steep hillsides funnel rainwater quickly into the towns below, the risk of flooding is constant.

Working with the South Pennine Farmers Group, Sarah used an NFM landowner grant to build attenuation ponds on her property. These ponds capture excess stormwater, holding it safely before releasing it slowly. By "slowing the flow," Sarah’s land now helps protect the entire valley floor from future floods.

While the primary goal of the basins is to manage stormwater, the project offers long-term benefits for the local environment. Sarah has planted over 600 trees and 400m of new hedging, creating vital "wildlife corridors." These green pathways allow species from the nearby nature reserve to travel safely further up the valley.

A Word from Sarah: "I’d love to do more of these schemes, especially where I know water flows are a problem for my neighbours. I’d hate to see anyone's home flood; there have been far too many near misses. Now that the basins have grassed over, they look almost sculptural, they really add interest to the landscape."