This article is from Calderdale’s regular flood update newsletter.
Broadhead Clough and Hardcastle Crags are two of Calderdale’s most treasured woodlands. Broadhead Clough Nature Reserve is cared for by Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, while nearby the iconic Hardcastle Crags is a much‑loved National Trust site.
Since 2016, volunteers from Slow The Flow have been working across both sites to reduce flood risk using Natural Flood Management (NFM) techniques.
Their work includes installing more than 1,000 leaky woody dams at Hardcastle Crags, restoring wet woodland habitats at Broadhead Clough, and improving biodiversity through woodland management.
Volunteers have also helped install a community weather station and flow monitors to support real‑time data gathering.
At Hardcastle Crags, monitoring shows that these natural interventions can delay flood peaks by up to 105 minutes, offering communities more time to prepare. Early results at Broadhead Clough are also promising, with healthier habitats and growing flood resilience.
Slow The Flow will continue expanding this vital work and inspiring more people to get involved. You can find out more at https://www.slowtheflow.net.
