With February 2024 the wettest on record for 250 years, new research* has shown that 5.4 million (one in eight) UK adults with gardens have experienced the devastating effect of flooding on their green spaces.
But a low understanding of flood risk means green-fingered Brits could be losing £2.9m every year in their gardens.
New figures from Flood Re, the joint initiative between the UK government and the insurance industry, reveal that despite the cost of living crisis, people spent an average of £402 on their gardens in the past year.
High risk, low awareness
Only just 5% of individuals living in high flood risk areas realize the dangers that flooding poses to their homes and gardens.
This lack of awareness leads to misguided investment, with 68% in high-risk areas perceiving their flood risk as low, potentially resulting in significant financial and personal losses when floods strike.
Around 90% of homeowners, rising to 93% in high and medium flood risk areas, have also failed to implement flood resilience measures. In addition, almost half of those in these areas show little concern about flood risk when choosing their homes.
With 41% of those who have experienced flooding considering carrying out flood resistance modifications (compared to only 4% of Britons who have not experienced flooding), Flood Re is on hand to offer simple, cost-effective ways to invest smartly in your garden which a flood prevention tool.
From roots to resilience
Properly managed, native gardens can channel, absorb and store large amounts of water, reducing the risk to buildings and property.
The risk of localized and downstream flooding is also reduced.
Check out all the best tips and tricks to make your garden both beautiful and durable here.
Build back better
In the event of a flood, Flood Re’s Build Back Better system helps homeowners.
Eligible customers can receive up to £10,000 for home and garden improvements aimed at improving resilience to future flooding.
Andy Bord, Chief Executive, Flood Re said: “The research clearly shows that there is a job to be done to educate people about their flood risk.
“Gardens are cherished spaces that bring joy to so many of us, so why would we not only want to protect them from harm but actively harness their power to prevent them from future harm?
“Your garden can be both beautiful and resilient to extreme wet weather.
“We hope this research and the Flood Resilient Garden will help people think about their flood risk and consider the plants and garden features that will both endure a flood and help reduce destruction and distress to their homes when a flood occurs.”
* Research conducted by Opinium between 9 and 12 April 2024, on a nationally representative sample of 2,000 UK adults.
