The latest TransformAr Open Day, held on September 13th at the Printworks in Tavistock, showcased practical solutions for societal adaptation to climate change. Organized by the TransformAr project team in partnership with the Westcountry Rivers Trust, the event highlighted regional-level work and innovative approaches to natural flood management (NFM).

The day began with discussions on the progress and goals of the TransformAr initiative, focusing on its implementation within the Westcountry region. Attendees, including representatives from the Environment Agency, Natural England, regional Catchment Partnerships, South West Water, and academia, engaged in conversations about scaling these efforts to benefit communities and ecosystems.

Following the presentations, participants visited the nearby Shorts Down site, where NFM features such as ditches, scrapes, and a large pond designed to overtop during peak flows were showcased. Helen Staddon, Senior Education and Engagement Officer, led the site tour, explaining how these interventions mitigate flash flooding in the Middlemoor catchment, a historically flood-prone area.

The NFM measures not only reduce downstream flood impacts but also capture sediment run-off from Dartmoor’s high moor, preventing nutrient build-up in the Tiddy Brook and improving water quality. These features enhance biodiversity through habitat restoration and creation, benefiting both communities and local ecosystems.

Emily Widdecombe, Natural Capital Project Manager at the Trust, emphasized the importance of events like this, stating: “The open days are important in communicating the TransformAr project and helping to increase uptake amongst stakeholder groups.”

This event demonstrated how TransformAr’s work supports climate adaptation while fostering collaboration among stakeholders. For more details about the initiative, visit this website.