With February 2024 the wettest on record in 250 years, new research* has revealed that 5.4 million (one in eight) UK adults with gardens have experienced the devastating impact of flooding on their green spaces.
However, a low understanding of flood risk means green-fingered Brits could lose £2.9 million each year on their gardens.
New data from Flood Re, the joint initiative between the UK government and the insurance industry, reveals that despite the cost-of-living crisis, people spent an average of £402 on their gardens over the past year.
High risk, low awareness
Even more alarming is the disconnect between risk and awareness.
Only a mere 5% of individuals residing in high-risk flood areas acknowledge the dangers flooding poses to their homes and gardens.
This lack of awareness leads to misguided investments, with 68% in high-risk areas perceiving their flood risk as low, potentially resulting in significant financial and personal losses when floods strike.
Some 90% of homeowners, rising to 93% in high and mid flood risk areas, have also failed to implement flood resilience measures. Additionally, nearly half of those in these areas show little concern for flood risk when choosing their homes.
With 41% of those who have experienced flooding considering implementing flood resilience modifications (compared to only 4% of Brits who haven’t experienced flooding), Flood Re is on hand to offer easy, cost-effective ways to smartly invest in your garden as a flood prevention tool.
From roots to resilience
Gardens are an important and cost-effective first line of defence to flooding.
Properly managed, domestic gardens can channel, absorb and store large quantities of water, which means the risk to buildings and property is mitigated.
The risk of localised and downstream flooding is reduced too.
Check out all the best tips and tricks to make your garden both beautiful and resilient here.
Build back better
In the event of a flood, Flood Re’s Build Back Better scheme assists homeowners.
Eligible customers can receive up to £10,000 for home and garden improvements aimed at enhancing resilience against future floods.
Andy Bord, Chief Executive Officer, Flood Re said: “The research clearly shows 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 wouldn’t we want to not only protect them from harm but actively harness their power to prevent them from future damage?
“Your garden can be both beautiful and resilient to extreme wet weather.
“We’re hopeful 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 home when a flood hits.”
* Research conducted by Opinium between April 9 and 12, 2024, on a nationally representative sample of 2,000 UK adults.
