More than £1.4million is to be spent on natural flood management schemes around the River Otter and River Sid.

The Environment Agency has successfully bid for £1,184,800 for eight projects within the River Otter catchment, and Sidbury Manor Estate has been granted £240,000 for work within the River Sid catchment. 

The grants are part of a £25million fund announced by the Government last September. Councils, community groups, charities, rivers trusts and other organisations were invited to apply for a share, and 40 projects were chosen by the Environment Agency, with input from Defra and Natural England.

The River Otter programme will focus on soil and land management, taking into account the large amount of farming in the area and the wildlife habitats. Other options include leaky dams, attenuation ponds, floodplain reconnection, hedgerow creation and the planting of woodland.

Sidbury Manor Estate has proposed a package of four projects around the River Sid designed to slow and store flood water, to reduce the risk of flash flooding at Sidbury, Sidford and Sidmouth.

Jess Bailey, the Devon County Councillor for Otter Valley, said: “So thrilled that the River Otter catchment has been selected for grant funding for natural flood management.

“Back in November I supported the bid submitted back by the local Environment Agency and its partners, for government funding. As part of my support I agreed to be a member of the project board and assist with a contribution from my DCC locality budget.

“The terrible floods of 9th May 2023 saw more than 100 homes in my Otter Valley ward flooded. With the impact of climate crisis, our communities are more at risk than ever before and natural flood management is absolutely key.”

The MP for East Devon, Simon Jupp, has also welcomed the funding. He said: “Since last May, I have been working with the government to secure extra investment into flood management schemes in East Devon.”

Environment Agency chair Alan Lovell said: “It’s exciting to see such appetite for Natural Flood Management, recognising its value in providing not only benefits against flood risk but also wider support for nature recovery.

“I’m proud of the role the Environment Agency is playing in leading this pioneering programme. We look forward to working with partners to help natural techniques become a mainstream option for flood protection and help create more climate resilient places.”