MAKING THE CASE FOR DESIGNING WITH NATURE: “Restored wetlands and rivers in Somerset, England offer proof of resilience to drought, wildfires and flooding,” wrote Sandra Laville, The Guardian’s environment correspondent (August 2026)
Note to Reader:
On August 21, 2026, The Guardian newspaper published an article by environment correspondent Sandra Laville about a project in the English countryside which has revealed the benefits of rewilding land in the face of extreme weather brought about by the climate crisis. The following content is reproduced in accordance with the Guardian’s Open Licence Terms.
Rewilded land remains green amid drought-stricken English countryside, images show
“Aerial footage of an estate in Somerset has revealed the benefits of rewilding land in the face of extreme weather brought about by the climate crisis,” wrote Sandra Laville.
“The area of the National Trust’s Holnicote estate where rivers have been returned to their natural courses and wetlands have been restored have remained green and lush during the five heatwaves across the summer. In contrast, the surrounding countryside has become parched and brown.”
PHOTO CREDIT: Creation of natural sponges in the landscape. Steve Sayers/National Trust Images
“The two interventions are significant rewilding projects and provide strong evidence that nature-based solutions can protect against wildfires. This contradicts claims by some rightwing commentators, who have blamed rewilding for causing wildfires.”
To Learn More:
To read a PDF copy of the complete article by Sandra Laville, click on Rewilded land remains green amid drought-stricken English countryside, images show.
To read an earlier article about the work of Ben Eardley at Holnicote estate, click on Exmoor river ‘reset’ aims to cut flood risk and bolster wildlife.
The view from British Columbia: The water balance is out of balance and extreme events are the norm
“The Partnership for Water Sustainability is evolving online tools that support implementation of the whole-system, water balance approach. British Columbia, Washington State and California are leaders. We are moving forward in parallel on this journey,” stated Jim Dumont, the Partnership’s Engineering Applications Authority in 2017.
“A commonality is that all three regions are addressing impacts to the stream. Washington State and California have gone a step further than BC and mandated Flow-Duration Analysis as a regulatory requirement.”
North American Leaders in Flow-Duration Analysis
Over time, Jim Dumont has evolved the Water Balance Methodology to synthesize watershed hydrology and stream dynamics. He is an original and critical thinker. Original thinkers are non-conformists, have ideas and the courage to try to change the world.
“The innovation in BC’s Water Balance Methodology is found in the integration and application of proven scientific and engineering principles,” continued Jim Dumont
“The methodology provides a logical and straightforward way to assess potential impacts resulting from urban development; and analytically demonstrate the effectiveness of the methods proposed for preventing and/or mitigating those impacts.”
“Real-world success would be defined as reduced stream erosion during wet weather, and sustained ‘environmental flows’ during dry weather,” concluded Jim Dumont.
To Learn More:
For historical context on why Jim Dumont is a “water resources champion,” download and read Flood, drought, fire, wind and cold – because extreme events are becoming the norm…..Communities need to progress along a continuum to achieve “Sustainable Watershed Systems, through Asset Management”
After that and to read an interview with Jim Dumont, click on GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE INFLUENCER: “We must start and end with the stream for a true measure of success,” says Jim Dumont, rainwater management thought leader who evolved the Water Balance Methodology through a rigorously analytical approach
