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 1 in 10 year flood to a 1 in 75 year flood, while some argue it has changed the village character. The scheme provided economic benefits through increased tourism and no floods since, while balancing social and environmental impacts.

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?
Search for this “FCASE STUDY” on