Pickering Beck Case Study

Question 1

When was one of the worst flood events in Pickering

Answer 1

2007

Question 2

What is some background information about Pickering

Answer 2

Pickering is a market town on the northern side of the Vale of Pickering in North Yorkshire

It has a population of 7000

Question 3

How many properties were damaged in 2007

Answer 3

In 2007 85 homes and businesses were damaged

Question 4

What happened to the main road in 2007 In Pickering and what was the result of this

Answer 4

The A170 road which went through the town became flooded

This restricted access to several areas in Pickering including the market place- as a market town this became an economic impact as well as a social impact

Question 5

How does the geology impact Pickering’s flooding issues

Answer 5

The surrounding areas are compasses of limestone and gritstone

gritstone, which is generally a hard, less permeable rock- leads to rapid surface runoff

limestone is a carbonate rock that is soluble in mildly acidic rainwater (leading to chemical weathering

both gritstone and limestone can become quickly saturated during heavy rainfall events in the context of the catchment’s steep-sided valleys. This results in a high volume of water flowing rapidly over the ground surface into the river channel

Question 6

How does Pickering’s soil type attribute to its high flood risk

Answer 6

The soil type is soft and sandy- affecting the rivers capacity to absorb water

Peat bogs in the area can soak up water, preventing runoff and further flooding but inappropriate land use like overgrazing and drainage can dry out peat and increase the risk of flooding

Question 7

What is the vegetation in Pickering usually composed off and how did it affect flooding

Answer 7

The moorland vegetation in the North Yorkshire Moors mainly consists of heather grasses which grow on thick layers of peat

In 2007, the heather covered the moors drains increasing runoff and exacerbating the flooding in 2007

Question 8

How does deforestation affect flood risk in Pickering

Answer 8

Deforestation reduces interception of rainfall and stemflow. The removal of the vegetation increases the volume and speed of water reaching the beck.

he trees and vegetation that were once there is replaced by impermeable surfaces like roads, which increases flood risk as the water goes directly into the beck by storm drains and sewers.

Question 9

How do intensive farming practices affect flood risk in Pickering Beck

Answer 9

Intensive farming practices in the Pickering Beck catchment zone leads to soil erosion, with soil being washed into the river. The added sediment decreases the rivers capacity, making it shallower and more prone to flooding the surrounding areas.

Large agricultural vehicles like tractors can compact the soil, reducing the rainwaters’ ability to infiltrate the ground, leading to increased runoff.

Question 10

What is the “Slow The Flow” approach to flood management in Pickering

Answer 10

“Slow The Flow” refers to an integrated flood risk management which involves all stakeholders including the local community, Defra and the Environment Agency

Was very new and modern for its time and is now used as a good example of sustainable flood risk management

Question 11

How much did the “Slow The Flow” technique cost in Pickering

Answer 11

2 million- much cheaper than other methods and the 10 million they originally wanted to build concrete walls

Question 12

How many large woody dams were installed in Pickering and what were the positive impacts of this

Answer 12

180 large woody debris dams were installed, this lead to reduced flood risk as it slows the rate of flow and leads to an increased lag time with a smaller peak discharge. The dams can store up to 120,000 cubic metres of floodwater.

. If there is a lot of rainflow the water will overflow but it isn’t an issue if it does as it is very cheap and only will result in a small portion of the river overflowing as they aren’t very big. In conclusion, they are very sustainable as more debris will continue to build behind it, leading to a positive feedback loop.

Question 13

What are the positive and negatives impacts of the integrated approach to flood management in terms of labour

Answer 13

The management scheme involves many stakeholders and is therefore highly sustainable.

highly labour intensive with ongoing improvements and constant maintenance

Question 14

What are some environmental benefits of the “Slow the Flow” approach in Pickering

Answer 14

planting trees, restoring wetlands. This has led to an improved landscape and more habitats for wildlife

Question 15

What is a Culvert and bund and how does it improve flood risk management in Pickering

Answer 15

Culvert concrete defence which takes river flow underground- only a small portion of culvert is visible . Before the colvert is a bund which is a low rising dam which allows the area behind it to flood naturally and fill the flood plain.

Question 16

How is the “Slow the Flow” project socially sustainable with the large woody debris dama

Answer 16

ntegrated nature of the project the local community feel involved and are happy to volunteer to repair or replace the woody dams.

Question 17

What are some negatives associated with Pickering’s “Slow the Flow” scheme in terms of long term affects of climate change

Answer 17

The scheme offers protection from a 1 in 25-year event , but as climate change worsens and flooding events become more extreme, Pickering beck’s current scheme may not be sufficient.

Question 18

What are some negatives of Pickering’s Slow The Flow” scheme in terms of financial barriers

Answer 18

losses in agricultural production and grant productions- socially and economically negatively affecting people’s livelihoods