Given the huge debate a year ago around channel management, this report is highly timely guidance from Government. It will be interesting to see how the recommendations in this guidance play out over time with the NFU in particular pressing for more ad hoc action (‘less red tape’) by farmers.

Environment Agency / Defra ‘A new handbook promoting good practice in channel management has been developed for flood risk management authorities. The handbook brings together over ten years’ worth of research and practice in channel management with the aim of improving the process of deciding when and how to carry out channel management for flood risk and land drainage purposes.’

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/channel-management-handbook-for-flood-risk-management