The Smithills Estate is one of 40 bodies across the country in line for a slice of £25 million to spend on natural flood management.

The Natural Flood Management Programme was announced by the government last year after the success of a pilot programme.

The Smithills Estate, which is owned by the Woodland Trust, applied to the Environment Agency alongside a number of other organisations for funding towards its work.

Floods Minister Robbie Moore MP revealed it is one of 40 bodies across the country in line for a slice of £25 million to spend on natural flood management.

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Oliver Stainthorpe, Site Manager at the Smithills Estate, said: "We are delighted the Smithills Estate has been granted over £100,000 to boost our flood management scheme on the site. 

"With the changing climate we are seeing more heatwaves and flooding and this funding will help us to make the site more resilient to cope with both extremes in the future.

"The funding, which is part of our overall multi-million-pound development project on the site, will be help us to slow the flow of water off the Winter Hill moorland with the likes of log jams, taking away culverts, and ponding water with log stacks which help to soak up some of the excess water. 

"In effect this could help to reduce the risk of flooding to properties downstream in Bolton, so it is an important piece of work."

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The term natural flood management refers to the use of the natural environment to reduce the risk of a flood.

Often it has additional advantages including boosting biodiversity and capturing carbon from the atmosphere.

Mr Moore said: "It is vital we use nature as an ally in our work to become ready for climate change, helping to restore the natural environment and protecting homes and businesses. This is why we are funding the biggest-ever investment in natural flood management – and it is great to see the huge demand.

"These schemes will complement traditional bricks-and-mortar defences, all funded by our flood programme. This programme is one more part of our plan to bolster flood resilience and shield communities – all whilst boosting biodiversity, restoring habitats and protecting the environment for future generations."

For information go to gov.uk/guidance/natural-flood-management-programme.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.