Borth to Ynyshir Coastal Adaptation Project

This is a library of the promotional products used to promote the project to the local community and stakeholders.

Exhibition Boards:

Newsletter:

Poster:

Return period - A return period tells us, on average, how often a flood of a certain size might occur. For example, a 1 in 100 year flood has a return period of 100 years. This does not mean it happens only once every 100 years, it means that each year there is a 1% chance of a flood that big (or bigger) occurring. A shorter return period means floods are more frequent.

Coastal flooding - Coastal flooding is when the sea inundates coastal areas that are normally dry, causing damage to homes, roads, and ecosystems. It can happen due to a combination of factors such as storm surges, high tides and sea level rise. For this project this is used to identify flooding directly form the sea due to the waves and water levels.

Tidal flooding is also a form of coastal flooding, though on this project it is being used to refer to flooding from the estuary due to high tidal water levels. 

Fluvial Flooding – Fluvial flooding occurs when rivers get too full, usually after heavy rain (which may occur higher up in the catchment), snowmelt, or upstream water flow, and the water spills into nearby towns, fields, or roads.

Pluvial Flooding - Pluvial flooding occurs when intense rain overwhelms drainage and floods streets, homes, or land. Pluvial flooding is caused by surface water runoff (rain) rather than flooding from rivers or sea.

Groundwater Flooding - Groundwater flooding is the emergence of groundwater (water table) at the ground surface separate to water from the river or the sea.

Flood Defence Assets - A flood defence asset is any structure or feature designed to protect people, property, and land from flooding. This can include things like walls, embankments, or barriers that block or control water. These assets help reduce the risk and impact of floods, keeping communities safer.

Project 

What is the project trying to achieve? 

The purpose of the project is to develop a long-term adaptation plan for sustainably managing flood and coastal risk within the study area over the next 100 years, supporting effective planning for challenges such as climate change and sea level rise while minimising impacts on communities, the environment and critical infrastructure. As part of the project, we will review the current condition and performance of existing flood defences and risk management assets and consider how these may change over time due to deterioration and future environmental implications, and in particular the effects of climate change related sea level rise. Using this evidence, the adaptation plan will outline how the area could be sustainably managed in the future and identify preferred approaches that can be taken forward. It will also be adaptable, allowing the timing and nature of interventions to be refined as new evidence becomes available or if future conditions differ from current projections.  

The project is the first step in adaptation management in relation to managing flood and coastal erosion risk management. It does not however include adaptation planning or management of infrastructure and other assets such as public rights of way, road and rail which will be needed in the medium to long term.   

Which areas of the Dyfi Estuary are at flood risk? 

Much of the project area is at risk of flooding from the sea and the Dyfi Estuary. The area is predominantly low-lying and has been reclaimed and drained over many centuries, with a series of earth embankments constructed historically to protect it from tidal inundation.  

Flood risk arises from a range of sources, including: 

• the sea 

• the tidal estuary 

• surface water (from direct rainfall) 

• fluvial flooding (where rivers and drainage channels overtop) 

• groundwater (where the water table rises to or near or above the ground surface) 

The environmental risk to protected sites from changes in asset protection and rising sea levels include: 

• coastal squeeze from man-made flood and coastal erosion assets 

• impacts on the environment from saline intrusion from the sea and estuary 

• flood impacts on protected sites such as Cors Fochno  

Flooding may occur as a result of overtopping of existing defences, as well as from the deterioration or failure of structures. Parts of the Dyfi Estuary are therefore vulnerable to flooding from multiple sources and mechanisms. Future risk, particularly from coastal influences, is expected to increase as a result of sea level rise.  

Natural Resources Wales’ “Check your flood risk by postcode” service provides an indication of flood risk for an area (rather than individual properties). It is important to recognise that the possibility of flooding is ongoing, both now and in the future. 

What are NRW’s responsibilities in relation to flood risk? 

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has permissive powers under the Water Resources Act 1991 to carry out flood risk management activities in relation to main rivers and the sea. These powers are discretionary, meaning NRW is not legally required to undertake works, but instead must make informed decisions about where and how to act. In doing so, NRW aligns its responsibilities with Welsh Government policy, which prioritises the protection of people and communities. As a result, available resources are directed towards locations where the risk to life from flooding is greatest, using a risk-based approach informed by the best available evidence and data. 

NRW also plays an important role in working alongside wider flood risk management strategies, helping to plan, deliver and maintain measures over the long term where appropriate. While the primary focus is on reducing risks to people and homes, the potential impacts on businesses, infrastructure, transport networks and agricultural land are also considered as part of decision-making. The goal is to ensure interventions are targeted effectively and remain sustainable over time, recognising the need to manage and maintain flood risk in a way that responds to changing conditions and future challenges. 

NRW also has a supervisory authority for Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs) in Wales which fall under the Land Drainage Act 1991 – core legislation setting IDB powers and duties which are also permissive. 

Natural Resources Wales's primary role with regard to drainage districts is to manage water levels and reduce flood risk through the management and maintenance of drainage channels, ordinary watercourses, pumping stations and control structures. 

What are Ceredigion County Council’s responsibilities in relation to flood risk? 

Ceredigion County Council is the Lead Local Flood Authority, responsible for managing both inland and coastal flood risks across the county. Inland, it oversees surface water, groundwater, and ordinary watercourse flooding, while on the coast it helps maintain sea defences, manage coastal erosion, and deliver protection schemes in partnership with Natural Resources Wales and Welsh Government. The council also develops local flood risk strategies, supports sustainable drainage (SuDS) in new developments and coordinates emergency planning and community resilience efforts for all types of flooding. 

Is this project considering climate change? 

Consideration of and evaluating the impacts of climate change is central to the project and developing the adaptive pathways for sustainable flood risk management. Climate change allowances are considered in accordance with the latest Welsh Government guidance. 

Flood and coastal erosion risk management: adapting to climate change | GOV.WALES 

This ensures that the proposed approaches and options are well evidenced and justified which are consistent in the application of the uncertainties associated with climate change, can be made to support Welsh Government investment decisions, in alignment with the aspirations of the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act. 

What is coastal adaptation? 

Coastal adaptation is a long-term, sustainable and flexible approach to managing the risks associated with changing coastal conditions, including sea level rise, coastal flooding and erosion. Unlike traditional coastal defence schemes, which often involve significant investment in a fixed solution designed to provide protection for several decades, coastal adaptation considers a range of actions that can be implemented over time as conditions change. It takes a long-term view, often over 100 years or more, and recognises that whilst future changes can be forecast, there remains uncertainty about exactly when and how they will occur.  

By monitoring coastal conditions and reviewing the latest evidence, future actions can be adapted accordingly. For example, if sea level rise occurs more slowly than anticipated, planned interventions may be postponed until they are needed. Equally, if conditions change more quickly than expected, or an unforeseen event occurs such as the failure of a key flood risk management asset, actions can be brought forward. These are the options that are developed in advance through consultation with the public and stakeholders. This adaptive approach helps ensure that risks continue to be managed effectively whilst making the best use of available funding, avoiding unnecessary expenditure and keeping future options open for communities. 

Consultation 

When are you planning your next stage of consultation? 

The next stage of consultation is planned to take place in the Autumn/Winter of this year, where we will be presenting an initial longlist of possible adaptation approaches.  

The purpose of this long list is to ensure that all reasonable options are considered and assessed in a transparent and evidence-based way. This allows us to clearly demonstrate why some options are taken forward for further consideration, whilst others may not be feasible or suitable. 

We would like to share the evidence and information that has informed the development of these options and explain how they have been assessed. We are also seeking local knowledge, information and feedback to help us better understand the potential positive and negative impacts of each option. Your views will help inform the selection of a shorter list of viable options for further development and assessment. 

Will my views be listened to? 

As a publicly funded body, we are accountable through Welsh Government for delivering services on behalf of the public. Our work is guided by national strategies, as well as planning and environmental legislation, which require us to involve the public (for example please refer to the Principles of Sustainable Management of Natural Resources (SMNR)). This includes undertaking engagement and consultation and clearly explaining how feedback has been considered and reflected in our final decisions. 

Within our remit, we aim to deliver and improve services in line with the responsibilities set out for us by government. Where opportunities for improvement or additional investment are identified, we can also help make the case for change or for future funding to support better outcomes. 

How will you advertise engagement events in future? 

As we progress through the public consultation process more, updates will be issued via electronic and postal newsletters. Events will also be advertised on posters displayed throughout the project area. 

There’s not a lot of information available at this stage, when will there be more available? 

At this early stage of consultation, we wanted to approach the community to understand and confirm the issues faced in the area, and find out from the community how you want to be engaged in the future. We’re taking these views onboard as we shape the next stage of consultation. 

At the next stage of engagement, we will be looking to share greater detail of potential adaptation options under consideration for inclusion within an Adaptive Management Plan to manage the threat of flooding and climate change. 

Existing Flood Management

Why has there been a pause on the construction of the Borth Phase 3 works? 

Ceredigion County Council paused the Borth Phase 3 works to allow the wider project appraisal to progress and ensure all options are assessed consistently. This will ensure that any proposals for Borth Phase 3 integrate well with NRW and CCCs planned works in the wider project area. 

What work is ongoing to manage shingle at Borth? 

Inspection and Monitoring is ongoing in conjunction with the Welsh Coastal Monitoring Centre, and where identified as necessary, repair works will be carried out under the Coastal Protection Revenue Programme, as funds and resources allow. 

Can you give us an update on planned maintenance and the maintenance plans? 

Inspection and Monitoring is ongoing in conjunction with the Welsh Coastal Monitoring Centre, and where identified as necessary, repair works will be carried out under the Coastal Protection Revenue Programme, as funds and resources allow. Some maintenance work will be dependent on the outcome of the ongoing Phase 3 and the work as part of this Adaptive Management Plan.

NRW undertakes operational activities within the Internal Drainage District to maintain watercourses and water management structures. These activities are funded from the rates and levies, with the precept being utilised for works on any designated Main Rivers in the area. NRW may also undertake flood risk management related work in these locations in its capacity as a Risk Management Authority.

Future Flood Management 

How are you going to manage natural flood defences on Ynyslas? 

Ynyslas is a naturally evolving coastal system, made up of dunes and a sand spit that have formed through long term coastal processes such as wave action, tides and the movement of sediment. These processes - including longshore drift moving material from south to north - will continue to shape the coastline over time, particularly as sea levels rise and storm events occur. 

In line with the Shoreline Management Plan policy for this frontage, Ynyslas is designated as a “No Active Intervention” area in the medium to long term. This means that NRW will not carry out works to maintain or artificially manage the dunes or sand features for flood risk management purposes, such as holding back the sea or stabilising the coastline. 

However, Ynyslas forms part of the Dyfi SSSI and is an important designated habitat. NRW will therefore continue to manage the area for its biodiversity and conservation, ensuring the natural environment is protected and enhanced. 

Overall, this approach allows the dunes and wider coastal system to function and adapt naturally, rather than trying to fix their position, acknowledging that they will remain dynamic and change over time. 

Is there more information on the drainage ditches in the area and how these may help alleviate flooding? 

The area has a long history of land reclamation and managed drainage. To control surface water, it relies on an established network of drainage ditches that collect and convey water away from low‑lying ground. These ditches play an important role in reducing the risk of standing water and managing runoff during periods of heavy rainfall. 

To the east of the railway line, much of the land falls within an Internal Drainage District (IDD). IDDs are responsible for maintaining local drainage infrastructure, such as ditches and culverts, and they are funded through local drainage rates and agricultural levies. Their work helps ensure that water levels remain suitable for farming and that flood risk is kept as low as reasonably possible. 

The project will consider flooding and drainage as a whole system, working with the IDD and other stakeholders to ensure that both existing land uses and future development follow sustainable management plans.

Are you looking at constructing new defences? 

At this early stage no decisions have been made to change the current flood and erosion risk management of the area.  

Some of the options we’re exploring do investigate the feasibility of building new defences.  The project will look at the economic costs and benefits as well as impacts on environment and local communities.  Where there are limited benefits on impacts on flooding, continuing to invest in defences may not be justified and therefore we are looking to find the most sustainable solution for the future. In many places, constructing new defences along the same line as existing ones would simply repeat the challenges we already face, such as ongoing erosion, rising maintenance costs, and increasing pressure from higher sea levels. 

That’s why we’re also looking at a wider range of approaches to make sure any long-term solution is safe, resilient, and good value for the community. 

Will you be looking at Natural Flood Management and measures in the hills to stop runoff form the hills causing flooding? 

Unfortunately, this is beyond the scope of the current project, which is focused on managing tidal flood risk.  

Are there any measures on the rivers flowing into the Dyfi Estuary that you’re looking at taking? 

A range of possible measures will be explored and shared with the community as part of the long list of options. These ideas will then go through a detailed appraisal to understand whether they are effective, sustainable, and appropriate for the area. Only options that genuinely offer the best outcomes in a sustainable manner will be taken forward. 

Will you be dredging the rivers to assist with water drainage? 

NRW promote the sustainable management of rivers by encouraging the retention and restoration of natural processes wherever possible. Sediment deposition is one of these natural processes. The removal of sediment can remove habitat, disrupt river processes, increase erosion elsewhere along the watercourse and be harmful to wildlife. Localised de-shoaling in addition to other types of watercourse management is routinely considered when NRW assess how to manage flood risk. Existing operational and maintenance matters are independent from the capital interventions being considered through the project. 

While dredging can help reduce flooding in some river systems, the conditions in the Dyfi area are very different. 

Most flooding here comes from the coast rather than from rivers. The area is very flat, and water movement is mainly controlled by the estuary entrance and other natural pinch points, not by the size of the river channels. This means that widening or deepening the rivers is unlikely to reduce flood risk. 

There are also practical drawbacks. The rivers naturally fill with sediment again, so dredging would need to be repeated, making it expensive and difficult to maintain. It can also damage important habitats and wildlife. 

Therefore, it’s unlikely that dredging will be progressed as a viable option in the Adaptive Flood Management Plan. 

Other 

There is a proposed wind farm in the local area, how will this interact with your proposals? 

Like all developments that require planning approvals, NRW is a statutory consultee in the planning process and so it would not be appropriate for this project to comment on the specific merits of any particular planning application outside of the statutory process. 

Planning policy and guidance is clear that development must not increase flood risk elsewhere and planning submissions must demonstrate this via technical assessments in accordance with Planning Policy Wales and TAN 15. Due to this, we do not anticipate that any projects would have an impact on the area, and therefore the key factors in this project. 

Will this project result in any new habitat being created? 

We will look to maximise opportunity for habitat creation where possible as a form of multiple benefit, however priority will remain focussed on people and property while balancing the best outcome for the environment. 

Are you looking to work with Network Rail? 

We’re working with all stakeholders who have an interest and may be impacted by this project. As a part of the local flood defences are formed by the Cambrian Line, we will work closely with Network Rail throughout the project. 

Contacts 

There has been flooding at my house, who should I contact? 

If your home has flooded in the Dyfi Estuary area, there are a few organisations you should contact depending on the situation: 

• Emergency services - If there is any immediate risk to people or property, call 999. 

• Natural Resources Wales - NRW is responsible for main rivers flooding around the Dyfi. You can report river flooding, blocked channels, or damage to defences through their 24hour incident hotline: 0300 065 3000 

• Your local council - Ceredigion County Council can help with surface water issues, road flooding, queries around coastal defences and practical advice on clean‑up and waste disposal. 

• Your insurance provider - Contact your insurer promptly so they can guide you through the claims process and arrange assessments.

It’s useful to record what happened, including photos, times, and water levels, as this information can help with investigations and future flood planning in the Dyfi Estuary.

I’m concerned about the effectiveness of existing flood defences, who should I contact? 

For urgent concerns about defence condition please contact the following: 

• Coastal Defences: Ceredigion County Council – Contact Us - Ceredigion County Council 

• River Defences: Natural Resources Wales - Report an incident 

For general concerns about their effectiveness please contact the Project Team on byca@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk.