3 Villages
Flood Group
Here to help
when needed
• Mudford • Ashington • Chilton Cantelo
3 VFG NEWS PAGE
Follow our news from around the local area, from flooding to sewerage overspill and more, keep checking here for all the latest.
Flood Mitigation through Nature-Based Solutions – Event Summary
Flood Mitigation through Nature-Based Solutions – Event Summary
On 22 January 2026, the Three Villages Flood Group hosted a well-attended public meeting at Mudford Village Hall focused on flood mitigation through Nature-Based Solutions (NBS). The evening’s speaker was Lorne Thomson from the Yeovil Rivers Community Trust.
The presentation highlighted the significant potential for practical, nature-led interventions to reduce flood risk across the local catchment. Using examples from comparable areas, Lorne demonstrated how measures such as leaky dams, ponds, re-engineered ditches and wetland creation can slow the movement of water across land, reducing peak flows into rivers and vulnerable communities.
Importantly, these interventions deliver multiple additional benefits, including improved biodiversity through habitat creation, enhanced soil health, and nutrient mitigation. The role of wetlands in filtering phosphates from agricultural and surface water run-off was also discussed.
The meeting emphasised the importance of partnership working, including collaboration with FWAG on soil management techniques to improve water retention, and with Wessex Water on wetland projects to address water quality issues.
Overall, the event provided strong evidence that there are realistic, achievable and community-driven solutions available, which can make a meaningful contribution to flood resilience in the Three Villages area.
Photo: Lorne Thomson, Yeovil Rivers Community Trust, with Kay Mackenzie , Chair of Three Villages Flood Group
Flood Mitigation through Nature-Based Solutions
22 January 2026 | 
7pm – 8.30pm
Mudford Village Hall6 Cars lost to flooding at West Mudford in December 2025 (So far)
Sadly we have so far, and continue to loose vehicles in the flooding. Why? If you don’t know the depth of the water don’t attempt to drive into it, it’s always likely to be deeper in places that you expect. At West Mudford Road by the Church is notorious for flooding and there are depth markers that give you an indication of how deep it is, unfortunately the water is deeper than the old depth gauges depict, mainly because the road has dropped slightly!
But the flood group put out ‘Warning Flood’ signs every time it gets too deep to drive through, but still people feel the need to drive into it. So far in December 2025 we have lost 5 cars and it’s only early days in the flood season.
Last year we lost 11 cars, 2 lorries and 3 vans, all because people take a chance, please don’t be one of these people. Take care and take a different route!
Project Rescue – Somerset Council
Project RESCUE:
Somerset Council’s drone initiative for enhanced emergency response and environmental monitoring.
Somerset Council was awarded funding from the Innovate UK Future Flight Regional Demonstrator Fund for its £191,370 Resilience and Emergency Services Coordination Using Enabled-drones (RESCUE) project. RESCUE will explore how drones can be deployed quickly to reach inaccessible areas, providing real-time footage and data to support ground teams during environmental emergencies. The Council is collaborating with Land and Minerals Consulting Ltd and Limosaero, and will involve local emergency services, resilience teams, and government agencies to develop the case for adopting the scheme in Somerset.
To read more visit: Somerset Drones
New Emergency Planning page
Can’t get help because of floodwater?
One of the things most often asked of the 3vfg is if we are flooded in and can’t get out because of surrounding floods, how do I get help in an emergency?
That’s a fantastic and important question! It’s completely understandable why people worry about getting help when they’re cut off by floodwater—it can feel very isolating.
The great news is that there is a robust system in place to make sure you can get assistance, even when the roads are flooded. You are never unreachable in an emergency.
Read more information on the Emergency Planning page
Thank you from the 3VFG
A big thank you to everyone who came along and supported our Flood Pod event in Mudford yesterday.
Flood Mary was kept very busy, and it was fantastic to welcome visitors not only from our Three Villages but also from neighbouring communities.
We were especially pleased to chat with representatives from the agencies who joined us — all committed to helping improve flood resilience in our homes and communities.
Flood Mary Tour comes to Mudford
Come and join us for the Flood Mary event.
Mudford Village Hall Car Park 26th September 2pm – 6pm
Come and see practical, real-life examples of how you can protect your home and property from flooding.
Free entry – everyone welcome Expert advice & resources Hands-on demonstrations of flood resilience products A chance to ask Flood Mary your questions
Whether you’ve experienced flooding before or simply want to be prepared, this is your chance to get the very best advice – right here in Mudford.
A Meeting of Minds
The foundation of our efforts lies in A Meeting of Minds between diverse groups.
A Meeting of Minds: Land Management for Flood Resilience
The Three Villages Flood Group (3VFG) recently hosted a focused and productive meeting bringing together leading organisations working on land, water, and flood resilience in Somerset.
A Meeting of Minds is essential for addressing the concerns related to flood resilience.
Held at Mudford Village Hall on 15th July, we were joined by expert representatives from:
• Somerset Rivers Authority
• FWAG South West (Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group)
• Wessex Water
• Yeovil Rivers Community Trust
• Alongside our full Three Villages Flood Group team
The purpose of the meeting was to explore land management interventions that can reduce the risk of flooding across our communities. Together, we highlighted priority areas within the three villages, discussed practical approaches that could be implemented locally and collaboratively with landowners, farmers, and partner agencies.
FWAG shared insights from their past work in Somerset, where they’ve supported farmers in applying nature-based solutions such as:
- Soil improvement and cover cropping
- Buffer strips and riparian planting
- Field corner wetlands and leaky dams
- Improved watercourse management and installation of ponds.
These kinds of interventions have been proven to slow the flow of water, reduce surface runoff, and help retain water higher in the catchment—making them ideal tools in the battle against flooding.
This meeting marks the beginning of a programme of coordinated action. By drawing on the collective knowledge and experience in the room and combining it with potential funding opportunities, we’re confident that we can begin to make a tangible difference.
We’re incredibly grateful for the collaboration and shared commitment shown by all involved, and we look forward to keeping the community updated as plans develop.
If you’re a local landowner, farmer or resident who wants to get involved or learn more, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Major Drainage Improvements Completed in Hinton
Over the past few weeks, a significant program of enhanced drain jetting has been carried out in Hinton, near Mudford, thanks to action taken by Somerset High
ways Authority. A specialist team from Keir was commissioned to pump out and clear the long-neglected roadside drains and gullies in the area. Many of these were found to be completely blocked with silt, but the good news is they are now all running clear.
This work is expected to have a real impact. For years, roads in Hinton have remained flooded for longer than in surrounding areas, largely due to poor drainage. With water unable to escape, even moderate rainfall has caused extended surface flooding. With the drains now functioning as they should, we hope to see a noticeable improvement in how quickly standing water clears after heavy rain. Let’s see what a difference this makes.
We’re proud to have supported this project through our ongoing flood resilience work and would love for more local residents to get involved. One simple and effective way to help is by joining our Adopt A Drain scheme — keeping an eye on a nearby drain, reporting issues, and helping keep it clear of leaves and debris can make a big difference.
Want to get involved? Get in touch to find out how you can help keep our vital drains clear and working for everyone.
Taking Stock – 10 Months of Progress
As we reach the ten-month mark since the formation of the Three Villages Flood Group, it’s a great time to pause, take stock, and reflect on just how far we’ve come together.
What began as a grassroots effort to protect our villages from flooding has grown into a recognised, respected and proactive community initiative. Through collaboration, hard work, and a shared determination, we’ve laid the foundations for long-term resilience- and we’ve done it together.
Our Key Achievements So Far:
• Community Flood Plan – We now have a live, working Flood Plan, tailored to our villages and shaped by local knowledge. It’s a practical, evolving document that helps us stay ready and coordinated.
• Fully Equipped Flood Wardens – Our fantastic team of Flood Wardens are now fully equipped and ready to respond. Their commitment and training provide vital reassurance when it matters most.
• Adopt a Drain Scheme – This community-driven initiative has launched successfully, bringing neighbours together to take simple, effective action in preventing blockages before they cause problems.
• Building Strong Partnerships – We’ve established open and constructive working relationships with:
• Somerset Highways
• The Environment Agency (EA)
• Wessex Water
• The Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA)
These links have helped put our concerns and ideas directly into the right conversations.
• Backing from Local Councils – We’ve built mutual trust with both the Mudford Parish Council (MPC) and the Village Hall Committee (VH). Their support has helped drive forward key projects and successful funding bids.
• A Successful Launch Day – Our official launch on April 5th was a real highlight, supported by Sarah Dyke MP and Cllr Mike Stanton. It marked a new chapter in our visibility and influence.
• Funding Successes – Thanks to successful applications to the SRA and MPC, we’ve secured vital funding for community resilience projects and equipment.
• Recognition as a Community Voice – We’re now widely recognised as the voice of our community on flooding matters — not only locally, but across the region.
• Media Presence – Our growing profile has led to positive media coverage, including acknowledgements and interviews with local TV and news outlets. This helps keep flooding on the agenda and shows how local action can lead to real change.
• Dynamic Online Presence – Our website and social media channels have become go-to places for updates, information, and community involvement. The feedback has been incredibly encouraging — thank you!
• New Projects Underway – We’re proud to be working with FWAG (Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group) and the Yeovil Rivers Community Trust, exploring sustainable flood management with local landowners.
• Ongoing Engagement with Stakeholders – Dialogue continues with Sarah Dyke MP, and we are actively involved in:
Dredging discussions with the EA – The start of a proactive jetting programme to help tackle blockages before they become problems.
Looking Ahead
Our group is founded on community spirit, local knowledge, and a shared desire to protect what we love. There’s still much to do — but our achievements so far show what’s possible when people work together.
Thank you to everyone who has supported, contributed, and cheered us on over the past 10 months. If you’re new to the group, we’d love you to get involved — whether it’s adopting a drain, sharing your knowledge, or simply staying informed.
Together, we’re making a real difference.
3 Villages Flood Group
Still Working Behind the Scenes
But rest assured – just because the flood season has passed for now, the 3VFG team hasn’t gone quiet. We’re continuing to meet regularly, monitor key sites, liaise with Wessex Water and the Environment Agency, and push for answers and improvements. Our goal remains the same: long-term flood resilience and better protection for our homes, land, and waterways.
We’ll be sharing updates over the coming weeks, including findings from our data monitoring, progress on sewage overflow reporting, and plans for community volunteering opportunities and summer events.
A Successful Launch – Thanks to You!
Our official launch event in April at Mudford Village Hall was a huge success – and it’s all thanks to the brilliant turnout and enthusiastic support from residents, experts, and partner agencies alike. It was truly inspiring to see our community come together with shared purpose and determination. Your stories, questions, and ideas are already shaping the way we work going forward.
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