Flood Management Features Explained

Scrapes are shallow linear shaped dips in the land that are dug out to temporarily hold rainwater during flooding or heavy rainfall events. They slow down water flow and give it time to soak into the ground and/or slowly release back into a main river system, helping reduce flooding downstream. They also create great habitats for wildlife like birds and insects.

Leaky barriers are natural-looking structures, usually constructed with timber across rivers, streams, or ditches. They don’t block water completely, instead they slow it down, letting some water pass through while holding back the rest and diverting it onto the floodplain. This helps reduce the speed and volume of water during flooding or heavy rain.

Bunds are low earth banks or mounds built across slopes or fields. They act like mini dams, holding back rainwater which supports the functioning of the floodplain. This reduces surface runoff, supports the functioning of the floodplain, and helps reduce downstream pressure.