Leeds launches the pioneering Aire Resilience Company to tackle flood risk and the climate emergency

On Tuesday, leaders from businesses and institutions across Yorkshire gathered to mark the launch of the Aire Resilience Company (ARC), a new Community Interest Company (CIC) facilitating the delivery of long-term natural flood management (NFM) interventions in the Aire Valley.  

ARC was created through a collaboration between Leeds City Council, Yorkshire Water, the Environment Agency and the Rivers Trust as a direct response to the threat of climate change and increasing flood risk. It will focus on delivering upstream interventions that work with nature to slow the flow of water, reduce pressure on Leeds’ existing flood defences, and bring wider environmental benefits to communities across Leeds and the Aire Valley. 

By establishing a long-term, sustainable model for funding and maintenance, ARC will ensure these natural interventions continue to protect communities for many decades. 

ARC’s work will complement and enhance the recently completed £200million Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme which protects the city and surrounding areas from extreme flooding as experienced following Storm Eva at Christmas 2015. 

The Leeds Natural Flood Management project, delivered by the Environment Agency in partnership with a wide range of organisations, is an integral part of this scheme. This innovative programme has an ambition to provide climate change resilience to the scheme by providing a 5% reduction in peak flows on the River Aire in Leeds up to 2069. 

ARC will further progress this work and will fund and deliver NFM interventions upstream in the Aire Valley. This includes creating woodlands, wetlands, soil restoration, and other interventions designed to slow and hold water upstream, protecting communities downstream. These nature-based solutions also enhance biodiversity and improve water quality, contributing to a healthier and more resilient environment for both people and wildlife. 

ARC receives funding through a consortium of local businesses who recognise the importance of acting now to prevent the impacts of climate change. This funding enables NFM delivery partners to collaborate with farmers and landowners in the mid and upper Aire catchment to install and maintain NFM works. 

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport, and sustainable development, said: 

 “Leeds City Council is committed to building long-term resilience to the impacts of climate change, and the launch of the Aire Resilience Company is an important step forward. Flood risk remains one of the most immediate challenges our communities face, and it is essential that we take action now to protect people, homes, and businesses across the city and the wider Aire Valley. 

“By supporting nature-based solutions alongside our major flood defence schemes, we are not only strengthening flood resilience but also contributing to our wider environmental and net zero ambitions. This collaborative approach will help ensure that Leeds remains a safe, sustainable, and thriving place for generations to come.” 

Nicola Shaw, CEO of Yorkshire Water, said:  

“We firmly believe that localised partnerships are the best way to deliver what our region needs. We are delighted to be a lead partner for this innovative and forward-thinking initiative. Climate change affects almost every aspect of how we operate, and it is vitally important that we take action to prepare for the challenges ahead, as well as those we are already facing. 

 "By working with Aire Resilience Company to harness the power of nature, we’re not only building climate resilience in our own business, but also helping to generate new jobs, support nature-friendly farming, and improve water quality and soil health across the catchment of the Aire. The Aire Resilience Company offers a prime example of how working together can unlock sustainable value, build climate resilience, and future-proof Leeds as a place to live and work for many years to come.” 

Mark Lloyd, CEO of the Rivers Trust, said: 

 “Most human activity in the past few centuries has accelerated water through the landscape with drainage, straightened rivers, deforestation, impermeable surfaces and compacted soils. We need to reverse this process by slowing the flow to make use of this precious resource for people and nature and protect communities and businesses from flooding. 

“This means taking action at scale throughout the landscape to store and absorb water by restoring natural processes. ARC is a shining example of a community coming together to make space for water and I hope it will be replicated throughout the country.” 

Jenny Cooke, Flood Risk Manager for the Environment Agency in West Yorkshire, said:  

“The Environment Agency, alongside a wide range of organisations, have delivered one of the largest NFM programmes in the country, covering an area of around 700km2 across the Upper Aire Catchment. This included planting woodland equivalent to the size of 650 football pitches and managing soil and land management improvements over an area the size of 1200 football pitches, to slow the flow of water and mitigate the impacts of climate change. 

“This not only helps reduce the risk of flooding but provides wider benefits; from supporting biodiversity and enhanced habitats and improved water quality, to richer soil health. 

“The Aire Resilience Company will continue to maintain the partnerships we have built to carry out this work and allow the initiative to flourish - we’re excited to see what the future holds! 

“As always, we encourage everyone across Yorkshire to know their flood risk and sign up to flood warnings via Prepare for flooding: Protect yourself from future flooding - GOV.UK.”