Developing urban blue corridors: scoping study

This project scoped the reasons for establishing space for water to behave naturally in towns and cities, as well as the obstacles that stand in the way.

• From: Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Research and Development Programme and Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
• Published: 19 February 2021

• Category: Increasing resilience to flooding
• Topics: Adaptation, Climate change, Community response and resilience, Design and build and Ecosystem service benefits
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  Flood risk assessment, Hydrology, Natural capital, Natural flood management, Resilience planning, Resilient infrastructure, Spatial planning, Surface water, Sustainability, Sustainable drainage systems, and Understanding physical processes
• Project status: Completed
• Project code: FD2619
• Date of completion: 31 March 2010

Documents

Developing urban blue corridors: scoping study - final report (7 MB) PDF

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Details

This project scoped the opportunities and reasons for establishing multi-purpose urban blue corridors, as well as the obstacles that stand in the way. It contributed to the evidence in support of using these corridors.

Background

Urban blue corridors describe an approach where city and town buildings are set back from watercourses, creating areas where water can flow over land and create natural ponds. This creates a mosaic of urban corridors which encourage the natural behaviour of water while reducing urban flooding. It also enhances biodiversity and makes it easier to access water for leisure. The corridors help relieve the pressure of flooding on upstream and downstream communities, making the options for protecting urban areas from flood more resilient and flexible. They also contribute to networks of green infrastructure, which provide a range of environmental, social and economic benefits.

This project was started and completed in 2010 at a cost of £41,750.

Published 19 February 2021