Twelve local Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs) across England have been awarded extra funding to support innovative projects which protect communities or improve the local natural environment.

Mr Benyon said: “Farmers, working with councils, play an important part in protecting and improving our communities. Today I have allocated almost £100,000 to help them continue that work by using innovative technical solutions to protect farmland from flooding, create new habitats for the country’s wildlife and preserve archaeological sites for the benefit of future generations.”

The Internal Drainage Board Grant Scheme was launched in August to help IDBs develop innovative ways to improve their efficiency while helping protect their local natural environment.

Local Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs) manage water levels in areas that require special drainage, such as farmland in river valleys. IDBs play an important role in protecting agricultural land and aiding urban development, as well as conserving and enhancing wildlife.

Grant funding amounting to £99,796 is being awarded to the 12 most innovative and effective applications from across the country: four in Somerset, two in Nottinghamshire, two in Norfolk, two in Yorkshire & Humber, one in Bedfordshire, one in North Lincolnshire.

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