Farmers want to see return of the National Rivers Authority to help with flooding

"We have had about eight acres of the farm which has completely flooded because streams cannot cope with the amount of rainfall we have experienced"

Chris Brayford
clock • 3 min read
Olly Harrison: "We used to have a National Rivers Authority which used to come along every summer to take the silt and reeds from the bottom of streams. It kept the water flowing and our fields dry. It acted like a big sponge so it could handle the water."
Image:

Olly Harrison: "We used to have a National Rivers Authority which used to come along every summer to take the silt and reeds from the bottom of streams. It kept the water flowing and our fields dry. It acted like a big sponge so it could handle the water."

Farmers have urged the Government to reintroduce the National Rivers Authority (NRA) to help the sector deal with flooding. Accidental YouTube star and Prescot farmer Olly Harrison has made a case...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

 

More on Weather

Storm Dave to bring strong winds on Easter weekend

Storm Dave to bring strong winds on Easter weekend

Farmers have been urged to take care with high winds set to hit northern parts of the UK

Jacob Bailey
clock 02 April 2026 • 2 min read
England now recovered from drought after weather whiplash brings flooding

England now recovered from drought after weather whiplash brings flooding

While this is positive news for water supplies, the National Drought Group says exceptional levels of rain have caused devastating flooding in many communities

clock 23 March 2026 • 2 min read
Farming the Floods: Flooded Somerset farmer says focus needs to be on prevention

Farming the Floods: Flooded Somerset farmer says focus needs to be on prevention

James Winslade's farm was under water in February after years of battling flooding

Alex Black
clock 06 March 2026 • 5 min read