FLOODS
Interesting that the government are now going to put back some of the money they cut from the flood defence spending. A bit late I am sure you will say.
But there was an interesting debate on Radio 4. It was explained that dredging of drains and rivers to protect farmland and the overgrazing of the upper levels is a direct cause of flooding in rural areas as the water rushes through unoccupied farmland into the first town or village it reaches and there causes millions of pounds of damage and immeasurable distress to the flood victims.
The answer to from the representative of the National Farmers Union was that we need more dredging to protect "valuable farm land" oh and by the way, the land is so valuable that it can't be farmed at a profit, so can we have lots more subsidies to pay for more grazing.Fortunately we are working with Yorkshire Water (one of Yorkshires largest land owners) on the White Rose Forrest. By creating woodlands, not only does it help combat global warming but it hold water on the land helping to prevent flash floods. There is also the economic benefit that can be gained from woodlands both as a leisure resource and the provider of timber products.
Many involved will not see the full glory of the White Rose Forrest, but I am sure future generations will thank us for our foresight.
