Bodington Fields

Created in partnership with the Environment Agency and Leeds City Council, Bodington Fields demonstrate a variety of the Natural Flood Management (NFM) intervention measures implemented across the Upper Aire Catchment as part of the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme.

The works provide an excellent opportunity for Living Lab research and teaching, as well as improved biodiversity and giving the local community an opportunity to engage with the University. Interventions include:

Leaky wood damns – The wood dams capture fine sediment and flood material that might otherwise block drains, as well as holding flood water during high rainfall.

Balancing pond – Balancing ponds are created to hold water runoff from rainfall that would otherwise flow very quickly into streams where it would contribute to flooding.

Wetland scrapes and cross-track drains – The wetland scrapes hold water away from more vulnerable areas whilst the cross-track drains run across the pathways, encouraging surface water to run away from roads and tracks rather than along them.

Wildflower areas – The wildflower areas here have been seeded to produce a rich assortment of flowers that act as a source of food and habitat to attract a wide range of insects.

Overland flow barriers – The large earthworks help to trap surface water, creating temporary ponds which store rainwater that would otherwise flow into rivers or onto roads.

Woodland and tree planting – The trees play an important role in stopping or slowing rainfall before it hits the ground, and making it harder for water to run off into streams. This gives the water time to soak into the soil.