A new vision for dealing with flooding in Powys has been unveiled. It proposes a regenerative “nature-based” approach that could see scores of new ponds, wetlands and woodlands created across the region.

“Wetland parks” with boardwalks are among the ideas envisioned for the Upper Severn Valley, a river catchment area mainly in Powys and Shropshire which extends to the boundaries of Wrexham, Denbighshire and Gwynedd. The approach could underpin similar strategies that may be rolled out across Wales in the years to come.

The Upper Severn proposals aim to better protect more than 3,000 at-risk homes and 1,000 businesses by harnessing traditional engineering and natural techniques. A consultation has been launched on the proposed Severn Valley Water Management strategy for both sides of the Wales-England border. It’s been put together by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and the Environment Agency alongside local authorities in Powys and Shropshire.