Flooding
Flooding in the Parish
Flooding can occur in the parish for a number of reasons, including heavy rainfall, surface water run‑off, blocked drains, groundwater levels and coastal conditions. The Parish Council recognises the impact flooding can have on residents, property, highways and farmland and aims to support awareness, reporting and information sharing.
Role of the Parish Council
The Parish Council does not have powers to carry out flood prevention works or highway drainage repairs. These responsibilities sit with Dorset Council, the Environment Agency and other risk management authorities depending on the type and location of flooding.
The Parish Council’s role is to:
- Monitor flooding issues raised by residents
- Report recurring problem areas to the appropriate authorities
- Share trusted information and guidance
- Support community preparedness and recovery
- Encourage and support local volunteer Flood Wardens
Reporting Flooding Issues
Roads, drains and pavements
Flooding on public roads, blocked gullies or drainage problems should be reported directly to Dorset Council Highways.
- Report online:
https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/report-a-problem-on-the-road-or-pavement - Highways emergency number: 01305 221020
This number should be used where flooding is causing, or is likely to cause, immediate danger to people or property.
If there is an immediate risk to life, call 999.
Flooding affecting homes or land
Flooding to homes, gardens or land should also be reported to Dorset Council and, where relevant, the Environment Agency. Reporting helps build a clearer picture of flood risk and supports future mitigation planning.
Residents are encouraged to report flooding even after water has receded.
Flood Warnings and Preparedness
Residents can sign up for Environment Agency flood warnings and alerts, which provide early notification of flood risk:
- Sign up for flood warnings:
https://www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings
You can also check local river and groundwater levels via Environment Agency services.
Recovery After Flooding – Help and Guidance
For residents affected by flooding, the following trusted guidance and resources may be helpful:
Flood Recovery Guide (Flood Mary)
Advice and guidance on the initial stages of recovery following flooding, including practical steps and support.
Property Flood Resilience (PFR) Directory
A trusted directory explaining practical measures that can help keep water out of buildings and support quicker recovery.
Recovering from Flooding – Dorset 2026
A practical leaflet covering:
- Property Flood Resilience measures
- Flood Re and the Build Back Better scheme
- Flood warnings and weather alerts
- Who to report flooding to
- Useful contacts
Groundwater Flooding Information
Updates, information and recovery activity relating to recent and ongoing groundwater flooding are published on the Dorset & Wiltshire Groundwater Flooding 2026 website:
(Residents affected by prolonged groundwater flooding may find this especially relevant.)
Flood Wardens – Volunteers Welcome
The Parish Council would be pleased to hear from residents who may be interested in becoming volunteer Flood Wardens.
Flood Wardens help by:
- Acting as a local point of contact during flood events
- Observing and reporting flooding issues
- Sharing information and guidance with the community
No previous experience is required, and training and information are available.
If you would like to know more about the Flood Warden role, please contact the Parish Clerk via the Contact page.
Contacting the Parish Council
If you wish to make the Parish Council aware of a flooding issue in the parish — in addition to reporting it to the relevant authority — please contact the Clerk using the details on the Contact page. This helps the Council build an overview of recurring issues within the parish.
Important Note
Flood risk management involves several different authorities. Reporting flooding to the correct organisation ensures issues are addressed as quickly and effectively as possible.