Lincolnshire Farmers want action to reduce flood risk
It follows significant flooding twice in just 3 months.
Last updated 10th Jan 2024
Farmers across Lincolnshire say there needs to be a better way of dealing with rainfall in the county to help prevent the scale of flooding which has led to crippling losses for many.
Significant flooding's been seen twice in 3 months in the county .
Back in October Storm Babet saw farmland underwater across the county.
Last week it was a similar picture for many farms in the county.
We spoke to Lincolnshire national farmers union Chairman Henry Moreton - who himself experienced flooding at his farm near Woodhall Spa.
We need to be better prepared not only for flooding but water shortages
He told us:" We're not talking about major dredging or anything like that it's just getting this water shifting fast in the right way."
"It's fine holding water up in the highlands to slow the flow there but once in gets down here on the lowlands in Lincolnshire - the sooner it gets out between Lincoln and Boston the better because it can't go anywhere else than into the sea."
"We've got to be prepared for this and we've also got to be prepared for water shortages too."
It's getting a very expensive business at the moment
"We need to prepare for holding water where we need to and make decent reservoirs to hold it whilst it's here."
"I can assure you every farmer I know think once we get the spring time drilling campaign going the chances are we'll have a drought."
"If you're talking about the vegetable people - the farmers out near Boston or Spalding way -those crops are still trying to be harvested now."
"It's an extra cost trying to harvest broccoli or cabbage or leeks in mud."
"Everything is compiling on a cost - it's getting a very expensive business at the moment."
A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said:
“We empathise with communities in Lincolnshire who have been flooded in the last few days.
Our officers have continued to be out on the ground over the weekend to reduce flood risk to communities by operating flood defences and clearing watercourses.
We will continue to work with local authorities and other partners to understand issues in affected areas and consider any potential approaches that need to be taken going forward.”