Unlocking climate resilience in the Severn region

The challenge

The River Severn is one of the UK’s most significant natural assets, yet its potential to drive economic value has been unrecognised for too long. The region it flows through is ever more vulnerable to climate change, including increasingly frequent flooding and drought. Forecasts suggest peak river levels could rise by up to 850mm over the next 30 years, with annual average GVA losses of £9 million if no action is taken. At the same time, the region's rural economy has been hit by the damaging impacts of low productivity, post-COVID recovery needs, and Brexit-related pressures on agriculture.  

Infrastructure planning across the region has historically been reactive, with water management and economic development being handled as separate agendas. This siloed approach cannot continue. Proactivity and strategic thinking are necessary to shape the Severn’s present and future. A more forward-thinking, collaborative approach will enable us to take back control and unlock the full potential of the river network to deliver long-term, lasting value and resilience.  

The approach

The way forward? A fully integrated partnership that delivers a holistic, systems-based strategy for climate adaptation and sustainable economic growth. Bringing together local authorities, environmental agencies, water companies, academic institutions and local enterprises, The River Severn Partnership is pioneering a new model for regional collaboration. Communities and businesses along the course of the river are focussed on a shared goal of transforming the Severn catchment into Britain’s most vibrant and resilient river network. 

At the core of this approach are the interdependencies between The River Severn as a key natural asset and the wider delivery of housing, employment, skills, transport and sustainable infrastructure. 

The conclusion

The River Severn Partnership is delivering significant results by harnessing the unique attributes of Britain’s longest river network. Confidence in regional investment is being strengthened, bolstered by flood risk certainty and a robust plan for infrastructure development.  

By 2040, the programme is expected to have generated over £100bn in GVA uplift. Over 36,000 hectares of land will be brought back into economic use, with a further 687 hectares being released for commercial development. This transformation will create space for more housing, new businesses, local supply chains, and green innovation opportunities, generating long-term benefits that extend far beyond the construction phase.  

The initiative is also driving social value creation for local communities, with a strong emphasis on enhancing health, wellbeing and long-term prosperity. Over the next 20 years, it is expected to create 47,200 new homes and generate 121,000 new jobs, including nearly 3,000 apprenticeships and retraining roles. These outcomes reflect a broader commitment to improving quality of life across the region, ensuring that greater opportunity, resilience and social impact are created. 

With an initial investment of £9.7 million, the River Severn Partnership is delivering a comprehensive strategy to support necessary infrastructure development. The work is positioning the Partnership as a national pilot for integrated infrastructure, delivering climate adaptation and mitigation, setting a new benchmark for how regions can collaborate to build a more sustainable and resilient future.