Scores of people learn about emerging plan for water management at Powys drop-ins

20 January 2026

The Severn Valley Water Management Scheme (SVWMS) was pleased to welcome scores of people at our recent drop-in sessions in Powys to learn more about the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme's emerging plan.

The team was delighted to meet so many people who were curious to find out more about the project and to share their own ideas, suggestions and experiences.

Jake Berriman, leader of Powys County Council, said: "I understand there was a good cross section of the Powys community represented at the sessions held in Bettws and Welshpool and that there has been generally positive feedback.

"I truly believe this is a landmark moment for our county and for Shropshire. This is the first time there has been activity at this scale to look at how we can best manage water in the Upper Severn, the benefits it will bring to our economy and the added resilience for our communities and nature. It is a very exciting prospect.

"The SVWMS emerging plan sets out a balanced approach, bringing nature‑based solutions together with targeted engineering, to better manage water, reduce risk to homes and livelihoods, and create confidence for businesses to invest.

"It sits central to the developing green capital strategy, being championed through the Marches Forward Partnership, and which is about unlocking funding into the Marches so that environmental improvement, farm viability and economic growth reinforce one another."

Cllr Berriman added: "We are committed to working alongside farmers and landowners to develop solutions that are practical, sensitive to local needs, and deliver real benefits for the whole community.

"I would really urge people to attend the community information sessions if they can, and to look at the emerging plan online too."

Five more information sessions are planned. At each event, the SVWMS team provides opportunities for attendees to learn about the latest data and proposals, ask questions, and share their views. Feedback gathered during these sessions will directly inform the development of the draft strategy, which will be subject to further consultation later in 2026.

The sessions are:

• 28 January 2026 - Caersws Presbyterian Church, Main St, Caersws, SY17 5EN
• 30 January 2026 - Minsterley Minsterley Parish Hall, Shrewsbury SY5 0EH
• 4 February 2026 - Oswestry Oswestry Cricket Club, Morda Rd, Oswestry SY11 2AY
• 9 February 2026 - Llanfyllin Llanfyllin Library Youth & Community Centre, Council Buildings, Llanfyllin, SY22 5DB
• 12 February 2026 - Llanidloes Hanging Gardens Project, Bethel Street, Llanidloes, SY18 6BS

Each session runs from 2pm to 7pm. All are welcome to attend, share their perspectives, and help shape the future of water management in the Severn Valley.

Consultation materials are available both at events and online, as well as in local libraries and leisure centres in Powys and Shropshire. All interested parties are encouraged to participate, ensuring that the final strategy reflects the needs and priorities of the community.

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

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