BASC will join other major stakeholders at tonight’s premiere of a documentary which explores the steps that can be taken to reduce flooding.
‘High Water Common Ground’ will be shown for the first time at Hebden Bridge, the Yorkshire Pennines market town hit by floods on Boxing Day 2015.
The film, featuring interviews from experts and those in communities directly affected by flooding, explores how flood risk has been managed in the past and calls for authorities, organisations and communities to work together as the most effective method for flood prevention.
BASC is among a group of official supporters for the film – including the Environment Agency, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Natural Resources Wales, the Scottish Government, the National Flood Forum, The Woodland Trust, The Wildlife Trusts, the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and the Angling Trust.
BASC chairman Peter Glenser said: “BASC was keen to support this film, which has been pain-staking in its research and production. The film provides a balanced, non-judgmental view of past flooding events while emphasizing the importance of seeking varied, innovative solutions to support future flood risk management strategies. The management of our uplands for shooting has a role to play in reducing flood risk.”
BASC North regional officer Gareth Dockerty said: “The film shows how upland gamekeepers and those involved in the provision of land for shooting engage with their communities to manage sensitive habitats in a sustainable way for wildlife and people.”
Filmmaker Andy Clark said: “The release of High Water Common Ground represents a significant commitment from stakeholder organisations to re-evaluate the ways that we approach flood risk management at national and local levels.
“It is not the duty or burden for any single organisation or community to tackle flooding alone. The incentive is to promote best practice, putting aside blame and accusation and looking to adapt certain management practices that could be better utilised to help manage flood risk.”
Tonight’s screening will be followed later in the year by a premiere in London. The film will be screened at flooding workshops and conferences before being released to the general public for download.