Flood management
Supporting flood resilience through community-centred engagement
Flooding is a growing problem in the UK, and Copper is determined to deliver strategic communications and engagement that build public trust, encourage preparedness and support long-term resilience.
Effective flood management starts with clear, timely engagement that empowers communities, supports responders and drives informed action.
Copper’s experience in the sector can help shape the future of flood resilience
Copper’s involvement in some of the UK’s most ambitious water management projects reflects its ability to navigate complex, large-scale schemes with confidence. Spanning national and regional borders and sectors, our work builds engagement strategies that unite communities, stakeholders and industry partners.
With climate-driven flood risks on the rise, effective flood management has become vital to protecting lives, homes and infrastructure across the UK.
Severn Valley Water Management Scheme
This project tackles a legacy of flooding and drought across Shropshire and Powys, regions divided by the England–Wales border. With a £10 million investment, it combines nature-based and traditional engineering solutions to protect homes and businesses. Acknowledging complex political and linguistic sensitivities, Copper has established a clear bilingual brand and developed a robust engagement strategy to foster trust, build advocacy and influence public opinion. A digital engagement hub and bespoke toolbox promote transparency and participation, ensuring all stakeholders have access to information to help shape outcomes. This approach delivers resilient water management and lasting community benefits, setting a benchmark for cross-border collaboration.
A clear bilingual brand and engagement strategy
Canal & River Trust
Copper is currently supporting the Canal & River Trust in restoring the 4.4-mile Montgomery Canal stretch between Llanymynech and Arddleen, which has been inaccessible since the 1930s. Backed by the UK government’s Levelling Up Fund and Powys County Council, this project will revitalise a key heritage site to deliver environmental, tourism and wellbeing benefits. We are providing strategic stakeholder engagement to support three planning applications for two bridges. Through targeted communications, drop-in events and detailed consultation reporting, we are securing local support and planning approval for this nationally significant project, thereby enhancing waterway access and biodiversity in Wales.
Enhancing waterway access and biodiversity
Bristol Avon Flood Strategy
Bristol City Council’s ambitious £249 million Bristol Avon Flood Strategy is designed to protect nearly 4500 properties from escalating flood risks. With potential economic benefits exceeding £980 million, the strategy seeks to secure the city’s future with phased flood defences, biodiversity net gains and regeneration opportunities. Copper enhanced the project’s public engagement through a comprehensive communications strategy, efficient stakeholder analysis and accessible supporting materials. Our work helped to clarify complex flood messaging, which successfully engaged residents and continues to ensure buy-in for a resilient, defensive project.
Successfully engaging residents
Get in touch
Building public support for flood defence projects. We secure consent, drive preparedness and demonstrate the benefits.
water@copperconsultancy.com
