The Boscastle flood management scheme in the UK was required due to intense rainfall in August 2004 that caused a flash flood, sweeping away over 1,000 homes, cars, and businesses. The management strategy involved collaboration between local residents, the Environment Agency, and National Trust to develop a plan. This improved flood defenses, reducing the risk from a once every 10 year flood to a once every 75 year flood, and increased tourism while avoiding further floods. However, some locals felt the new structures changed the village character.

1. Boscastle - a flood
management scheme
AQA spec:
a flood management scheme in the UK to show:
● why the scheme was required
● the management strategy
● the social, economic and environmental issues.

2. Boscastle - a flood management scheme -
why the scheme was required
August 2004
● Boscastle = INTENSE RAIN - a
month's rainfall in two hours.
● The drainage basin of Boscastle is
steep and impermeable rock.
● Located on a confluence of three
rivers [Valency, Paradise &
Jordan] = FLASH FLOOD = > 1000
homes, cars and businesses to be
swept away and damaged

3. Boscastle - a flood management scheme -
the management strategy

4. SOCIAL
Collaboration = Local people + Environment Agency [UK Government] + National Trust
[NGO] to produce a plan → ↑ community spirit after the shock of the flood → ↑ social
cohesions [local people working together]
ENVIRONMENTAL
Flood risk ↓ flood risk from 1 n 10 yr to 1 in 75 yr = successful
Some locals think new structures have changed the character of the village
ECONOMIC
↑ Tourism + no floods since
Boscastle - a flood management scheme -
the social, economic and environmental issues

5. EXAM QUESTIONS
Using an example you have studied, describe the features of a flood management scheme and explain
why the scheme was required. [9marks]

6. Where next?
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