Become a Flood Hero: Join the Cotswolds Volunteer Flood Warden Scheme Today!

The Volunteer Flood Warden Scheme, a vital initiative provided by Gloucestershire Rural Community Council (GRCC) in partnership with Cotswold District Council, is helping communities across the Cotswolds prepare for and respond to flooding events, by equipping residents with knowledge and tools.

Launched in 2021, the scheme has become a cornerstone of community resilience against flooding in the Cotswolds, reflecting a collective commitment to building stronger, safer communities in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns and flood risks.

Rachel Seymour, flood & community resilience officer at GRCC, said, “Flooding can have a devastating impact on our communities, but together, we can make a real difference. Our Flood Wardens are local champions who are on the ground within their communities, and their contributions are invaluable to increasing flood resilience. We’re looking for more passionate individuals to join us and be part of this vital initiative.”

The Role of Flood Wardens

Flood Wardens act as the eyes and ears on the ground, playing a key role in their communities by:

• Monitoring local watercourses and drainage systems for potential flood risks.

• Sharing vital information with local authorities to enable timely action.

• Assisting with community flood preparedness, including raising awareness about available resources and sharing proactive actions.

• Providing real-time updates for residents during a flood event and signposting them to the correct authorities for reporting issues.

By becoming a Flood Warden, residents not only help safeguard their communities but also receive essential training, guidance, and resources to handle flood-related challenges confidently.

A Call for Volunteers

Cllr Tristan Wilkinson, cabinet member for economy and environment, emphasised the importance of the scheme, “Whether you’ve experienced flooding firsthand or simply want to help your community be better prepared, joining the Community Flood Warden Scheme is a meaningful way to make a difference. By working together with GRCC and local residents, we can support each other to minimise the effects of flooding. We encourage anyone who is passionate about their community to join this initiative and help us make a real impact.”

Rachel Seymour added: “We’re particularly keen to hear from people in areas that have experienced or are at risk of flooding. Every volunteer makes a difference, and together, we can help protect our communities. So far we have over 20 volunteers in the Cotswold district and we’d love for you to come and join us!”

Volunteers don’t need prior experience, and full training and ongoing support will be provided.

To learn more about the scheme or to sign up as a Volunteer Flood Warden, visit www.cotswold.gov.uk/floodwardens or contact Rachel Seymour at rachels@grcc.org.uk or 07450 772145.