A major flood management scheme is progressing in Herefordshire.

The Herefordshire Wye and Lugg Natural Flood Management project is one of 26 Catchment scale projects funded by DEFRA that aims to reduce flood risk to local communities, as well as improving water quality and enhancing biodiversity, using natural flood management processes.

The scheme is now heading to Bodenham, where it will focus on seven priority areas in the county. They include:

• The Bodenham and Millcroft Brooks (above Bodenham)

• Brimfield Brook (above Brimfield and Orleton)

• Cheaton / Cogwell / Ridgemoor Brook system (above Leominster and Frome)

• Tedstone Brook (above Bromyard)

• Dulas Brook (above Ewyas Harold)

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• Pentaloe Brook (above Mordiford)

• The Red, Norton and Twyford Brook system (above Rotherwas, Hereford).

Councillor Philip Price, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure said: "This project is an important step towards reducing flood risk and improving the natural environment for people and wildlife. We encourage residents, farmers, landowners and stakeholders with an interest in the Bodenham and Millcroft Brooks area to come along to the community event on the 23 January, to find out more about this project and how they can get involved with the scheme."

An Environment Agency spokesperson added: "Working with our partners, Natural Flood Management is an important part of what we do to help reduce the risk of flooding. This scheme is a good example of this and we will continue to use a variety of measures that work together to help reduce the flood risk in Herefordshire."

Herefordshire Council is leading the project in partnership with the Environment Agency and other key delivery partners, including, Severn Rivers Trust, Wye & Usk Foundation, Natural England, National Trust, National Farmers Union, Farm Herefordshire, Herefordshire Wildlife Trust and the Forestry Commission.

A community event will take place on 23 January from 6.45pm at Siward James Centre, Bodenham, focusing on the Bodenham and Millcroft Brooks catchment area.

(CM/JG)