LANDOWNERS in the catchment area of the River Aire through Keighley and South Craven are being urged to help combat flood risks.

Fully-funded work to introduce natural flood management measures and tackle the impact of climate change is being offered.

Behind the initiative are the Environment Agency, Leeds City Council and the White Rose Forest partnership.

They will work with landowners and farmers to identify potential opportunities for natural flood management work on their land and guide them through what would be needed to complete the project.

Measures could include tree and hedgerow planting, buffer strips – which help trap sediment – or so-called leaky barriers, that enhance floodplain storage.

Fiona Sugden, project manager with the Environment Agency, said: “There is a long history of flooding in the Lower Aire catchment which has a huge effect on residents, the environment and wildlife.

“The Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme natural flood management programme plays an important role in reducing flood risk and bringing wider environmental and social benefits.

“The project has seen huge successes so far and we are keen for more landowners to get in touch to find out about the benefits of introducing natural flood management measures on their land.

“This scale of natural flood management will provide several wider benefits to the area, such as increasing biodiversity and tree canopy cover and creating habitat for wildlife.”

Ian Coldwell, project manager for White Rose Forest, encourages landowners to come forward.

He said: “This is important for nature, our environment and everyone living in the River Aire catchment.

“We are working with our network of White Rose Forest partners to invite interested landowners across the Aire Valley to find out more about the support on offer.

“A complete package of design, funding and delivery is available.

“Although the scheme runs throughout the year, we would encourage landowners to register their interest early to ensure timely delivery, particularly for popular projects such as tree planting.”

For more details, visit whiteroseforest.org/aireriver or email whiteroseforest@kirklees.gov.uk.