Diary dates as emerging plan for water management is shared in Powys

12 January 2026

The Severn Valley Water Management Scheme (SVWMS) team will be in Bettws on Tuesday 13 January and in Welshpool on Thursday 15 January to share information on the emerging plan.

The community engagement sessions are the first time the emerging plan will be shared in Powys, offering residents an opportunity to learn about and shape the future of water management in their area.

Attendees will have the chance to explore the emerging plan, discuss local challenges, and learn about intervention, whether nature-based or engineered, that could deliver the greatest benefit for people, nature, and the local economy.

Jake Berriman, leader of Powys County Council, said: "This is a crucial moment in the development of the strategy and for our community. The decisions we make together will help protect our homes, farms, and businesses from the increasing risks of flooding, while supporting the local environment and economy.

"I would encourage people to come along, talk to the team, and help shape a strategy that truly reflects our needs and aspirations."

Recent analysis by the SVWMS has highlighted the urgent need to temporarily store up to 100 million cubic metres of water during flood events - equivalent to 40,000 Olympic swimming pools.

Jake added: "The scale of the challenge is significant, but by working together, the SVWMS aims to identify approaches that complement existing farm practices and generate new opportunities for the region."

Residents across the upper Severn catchment are invited to attend any of the following sessions, each running from 2pm to 7pm:

• 13 January 2026 - Bettws Village Hall, Bettws Cedewain, Newtown, Powys, SY16 3DS
• 15 January 2026 - Welshpool Town Hall, 42 Broad Street, Welshpool, SY21 7JQ
• 20 January 2026 - Shrewsbury Theatre Severn, Frankwell, Shrewsbury, SY3 8FT
• 28 January 2026 - Caersws Presbyterian Church, Main St, Caersws, SY17 5EN
• 30 January 2026 - Minsterley Parish Hall, Shrewsbury, SY5 0EH
• 4 February 2026 - Oswestry Cricket Club, Morda Rd, Oswestry, SY11 2AY
• 9 February 2026 - Llanfyllin Library Youth & Community Centre, Council Buildings, Llanfyllin, SY22 5DB
• 12 February 2026 - Hanging Gardens Project, Bethel Street, Llanidloes, SY18 6BS

Consultation materials will also be available online and in local libraries and leisure centres in Powys and Shropshire.

Feedback gathered during this session will directly inform the development of the draft strategy, which will be subject to further consultation later in 2026.

For more information, including consultation materials and feedback forms, visit: www.severnvalleywatermanagementscheme.commonplace.is

Enquiries can be directed to: SVWMS@environment-agency.gov.uk

About the SVWMS: The SVWMS is a cross-border initiative led by the Environment Agency, in partnership with Natural Resources Wales, Powys County Council, and Shropshire Council, and funded by Defra. Its aim is to develop a holistic water management strategy for the upper Severn, which could serve as a model for similar projects nationwide.