The TransformAr project team showcased practical societal adaptations to climate change at an open day event held on 13 September at the Printworks in Tavistock. Attendees engaged in discussions about the project’s progress and the Westcountry regional-level work, followed by a visit to the Shorts Down site to explore Natural Flood Management (NFM) features.

Emily Widdecombe, Natural Capital Project Manager, emphasized the importance of the event: “The open days are vital for communicating the TransformAR project and encouraging uptake among stakeholder groups.”

Led by Senior Education & Engagement Officer Helen Staddon, participants saw firsthand the benefits of NFM tools such as ditches, scrapes, and a large pond designed to reduce downstream flash flooding in the Middlemoor catchment and capture sediment run-off from Dartmoor’s high moor. These measures also boost biodiversity by restoring and creating habitats.

Representatives from the Environment Agency, Natural England, regional Catchment Partnerships, South West Water, and academia attended, furthering collaboration for climate resilience and ecosystem enhancement