Loading...
What river restoration could mean for flood resilience
14 October 2026
Read time: 5 minutes
As climate-related risks become more frequent and severe, businesses, communities and policyholders are increasingly looking at new ways to improve resilience.
A new report from The Wildlife Trusts and Trent Rivers Trust, supported by Intact Insurance, suggests that restoring rivers at scale could play an important role in addressing some of England's most pressing environmental challenges. These include flooding, water pollution and habitat loss.
The Rivers 2040 Vision focuses on the River Trent, England's longest river, and explores what could be achieved through a coordinated, catchment-wide approach to river restoration. The report also provides a potential blueprint for restoring river systems across the country.
For brokers and their customers, flooding remains one of the most significant physical climate risks facing the UK. The Rivers 2040 Vision highlights how nature-based solutions could help communities become more resilient by working with natural processes rather than relying solely on traditional engineered flood defences.
The report identifies opportunities to reconnect rivers with their floodplains, restore wetlands and peatlands, create wet woodlands and support nature-friendly farming practices. When delivered across an entire river catchment, these measures can help slow the flow of water, improve water quality, and reduce flood risk.
This is particularly relevant as flood risk continues to evolve. According to the report, one in four properties could be at risk of flooding by 2050 without action. The Vision argues that investing upstream in natural flood management can help protect homes, businesses and communities downstream.
One of the most striking findings is the scale of the potential return on investment.
The report estimates that investing £43 million annually over 30 years to restore the River Trent could generate around £10 billion in economic benefits. With this, for every £1 invested, there could be more than £7 delivered in value through environmental, social and economic outcomes. These benefits include:
For businesses, this demonstrates how investment in resilience measures can create value beyond risk reduction alone.
While restoring England's rivers will require long-term collaboration between communities, businesses, customers and environmental organisations, the Vision demonstrates that the benefits could extend well beyond the environment, helping create a more resilient future for people, businesses and nature alike.
The Rivers 2040 Vision identifies three areas where action is needed to unlock these benefits:
The report calls for greater adoption of nature-based approaches across entire river catchments. These include helping deliver flood resilience, cleaner water, and healthier environments for local communities.
A more coordinated approach to managing water resources is recommended. This can bring together local expertise, investment, and decision-making to address challenges at catchment level.
The Vision argues that nature-based solutions should be treated as an essential part of future planning and flood management strategies. This can help attract investment and support long-term resilience.
As extreme weather becomes more frequent, we need to think differently about how we protect our communities. Restoring rivers, floodplains and wetlands can help manage water, reduce flood risk and make the places where people live and do business more resilient.
The Rivers 2040 Vision shows what is possible when we restore and protect nature at scale. By working with The Wildlife Trusts, we are helping to create healthier rivers that are better able to adapt to a changing climate and build more resilient communities.
Chris Reid, Deputy Senior Vice President at Intact Insurance
At Intact Insurance, we're committed to helping build stronger, more resilient communities. Our social impact strategy focuses on climate resilience, and supporting projects that help communities adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Our partnership with The Wildlife Trusts reflects that commitment. Through the Rivers 2040 project, we're helping develop evidence around the role nature-based solutions can play in reducing risk and supporting long-term resilience.
Download the full vision document to find out more, or visit The Wildlife Trusts hub where you can find an immersive film: 'Watch a River Speaks', as well as more information on the project.
Article by:
SEO and Content Manager
Article by:
SEO and Content Manager
Carmen is an SEO and Content Manager who specialises in clear, compelling copywriting. Carmen is skilled at transforming complex wording and topics into engaging, easy‑to‑digest content that helps users make confident decisions.