Last week there was a debate in Parliament about flooding in Staffordshire. This was a great opportunity to raise the many issues that concern you as well as mentioning some of the great work that happens in the Moorlands to combat flooding.
Homes built on floodplains or that flood when there is too much rain are unfortunately far too common. The village of Endon experiences regular flooding, as do other places. I was due to visit Endon earlier this year to see it for myself, but unfortunately lockdown happened. I am keen to go in person as soon as it is possible.
I also raised the issue of clearing drains and gullies, which would go a long way to helping prevent flooding and also what we are doing in the Moorlands to provide natural flood defences. I have visited many examples of natural flood defences, including at Tittesworth and Coombes Valley.
In my speech I praised the work of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. Their maintenance of our upland areas; the source of so much of the water that floods homes and businesses across Staffordshire, is vital. And it was great to meet the team at the Trust on Friday for a catch up.
Like so much work nowadays, it was a virtual meeting, but I was fully updated on the work they are doing at Gun Moor, the Roaches and in the rest of the Moorlands. The peat on the Roaches is gradually recovering, following the terrible fire two years ago. This peat is more effective at storing carbon than trees, and by damning water on our upland areas, we protect the natural habitat and wildlife, as well as preventing flooding. As the source of the Rivers Trent, Dove, Churnet and Manifold, protecting our upland areas helps many people both in and beyond the Moorlands.