Case study of
#00010 Community Flood Action Groups to log evidence and coordinate response
Slough, United Kingdom
#00006
Implementer
National Flood Forum with Chalvey and HCB Flood Action Groups
Timeline
Since Jan 1, 2023
Location
Description
Project Sponge supports community Flood Action Groups in Slough, facilitated by the National Flood Forum. Two groups operate: the Chalvey Flood Action Group (established 2023) and the HCB (Huntercombe, Cippenham, Burnham) Flood Action Group (formed 2024). The 2025–2026 phase moved from organizing into implementation and monitoring — re-meandering streams, constructing rain gardens, improving drainage, and adapting urban ditches and parks as sustainable drainage, with ongoing monitoring of water levels, engagement, and wildlife. Sustained public engagement is built in: the Project Sponge Festival in Salt Hill Park in July 2025 engaged over 400 residents. Recorded as ongoing — early monitoring shows reduced flood risk where streams and wetlands were restored, with a final evaluation due in the 2026–2027 phase.
Metrics
1Funding
Lessons learned
- Standing Flood Action Groups formed before implementation give physical interventions an organized local constituency and an evidence base.
- Public events between works (a 400-resident festival) are a deliberate mechanism to sustain engagement through quiet periods.
- Building monitoring into the project from the start — not just at the end — lets a group show early evidence of reduced risk and keep momentum.
- Outcomes should stay 'ongoing' until the planned final evaluation; early monitoring signals are encouraging but not conclusive.
Documented May 22, 2026