A drop-in session is set to take place to inform residents about the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme's (SVWMS) efforts to alleviate flood risk and enhance the environment in the Upper Severn catchment.

The event will be held on November 26, allowing Llanidloes locals to attend anytime between 2pm and 7pm to learn about the scheme and raise any queries.

The SVWMS is a joint venture among leading organisations, including the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales, Powys County Council, and Shropshire Council.

They collectively aim to minimise flood risk, improve water management, and support the natural environment across the Upper Severn region.

The SVWMS recently launched a website to keep residents updated, gather input, and share progress on the project's development.

The initiative is said to be a blend of innovative methods and community cooperation, committed to delivering improved flood risk management by slowing upstream water flow to safeguard downstream communities.

Gavin Bown, Natural Resources Wales head of operations for Mid Wales, said: "This is an ambitious but important project as we face a climate and nature emergency.

"We are seeing adverse weather events, such as flooding and periods of drought, occurring more frequently than we have experienced in recent decades.

"The Severn Valley Water Management Scheme is looking at new and innovative ways to supplement our flood risk management activities and help further address these issues through using natural flood management to reduce the risk of flood or drought by working with natural systems."

The scheme also hopes to create new habitats, like wetlands and woodlands, to support wildlife, boost carbon storage, and enhance resilience against the climate crisis.

In addition, it aims to provide opportunities for community participation and pride in local conservation, thereby reducing the risk to businesses and infrastructure from costly flood damage.

David McKnight, Environment Agency area flood and coastal risk manager for the West Midlands, said: "Delivering the SVWMS is a long-term solution to sustainable water management and has the potential of better protecting thousands of homes and businesses from flood risk across the upper Severn catchment in England and Wales.

"We are looking forward to sharing progress as it is made and for people to contribute and engage with us as the project advances.

"We want to hear from all areas of the Severn community as we embark on the strategy that the catchment needs to be able to adapt to our changing climate and continue to thrive."

The new SVWMS website will be a resource for anyone wanting to engage with partners and will feature updates on community drop-in sessions and event summaries.

Councillor James Gibson-Watt, at Powys County Council, added: "The Severn Valley Water Management Scheme is a significant opportunity to address climate impacts being experienced within our communities in Powys.

"We're excited to be a partner in this initiative and would encourage participation in the upcoming community events to learn more about the project and the potential opportunities it could bring."

Councillor Ian Nellins, deputy leader and cabinet member for climate change, environment and transport at Shropshire Council, added: "The Severn Valley Water Management Scheme represents a significant step forward in our efforts to protect communities and enhance our natural environment.

"This project not only addresses the immediate flood risks but also supports biodiversity and our fight against climate change.

"We encourage everyone to participate in the upcoming sessions to learn more about the positive impacts this scheme will bring."