A BUDDING offshoot of the Environment Agency’s flood defence scheme in Exeter has become a blooming marvellous destination for nature and fruit lovers in the city.

The Exeter scheme uses the natural landscape to reduce flood risk, while at the same time conserving habitat for wildlife which has been captured by Portishead-based filmmaker Paul Gainey.

Planted over five years ago during an early construction phase of the scheme, the FLOW community orchard has become a popular ribbon of nature along the river valley.

Managed by a community interest company of volunteers, the orchard became a haven for people needing to connect with nature for their well-being during the pandemic. 

Now there are regular events like wildlife safaris, picnics, musical events, wassails and sound walks where you are encouraged to listen for certain noises at select locations.

A short documentary film capturing the engineering and technical challenges of Exeter’s flood alleviation scheme has now been published by filmmaker Paul Gainey, which can be seen via the EA’s YouTube channel.

On the project, Paul said: “It is a hugely challenging piece of engineering - as the film reveals - and the civil engineer who designed the scheme, Chris Green, was the son of the designer of the original scheme so was following in a family tradition.

“Given the scale of the flood defence scheme it was essential to shoot the work from the air and I think the drone footage really gives the viewer a real feeling of how large and challenging the Exeter scheme has been.

 “Previously there was little interest to hold people or grab their imagination, but the area is now proving very popular. People are taking the time to stop, explore and enjoy the space as a result of all the environmental and landscape improvements.”

Construction began on the Exeter flood defence scheme in 2014, with the trees planted around four years later. The scheme reduces flood risk to more than 3,000 homes and businesses from flooding.

The project includes a number of environmental improvements that benefit people and wildlife, most notably the wetlands which provide valuable micro-habitats and a point of interest for birds and fish.

Mary-Rose Lane, a biodiversity specialist for the Environment Agency, said: “It feels fantastic we’ve been able to transform the river valley into such a rich and vibrant space for people and wildlife.

“People are taking the time to stop, explore and enjoy the space because of all the environmental and landscape improvements. It is one of the most creative and productive projects I’ve ever been involved with at the EA.”

Emma Welton, a musician and part of the FLOW Exe River Orchard community, said: “As a resident living close to the Exe flood relief channel, I encounter the trees of the FLOW orchard every day. The orchard has changed how it feels to live here. What could have been a soulless engineering solution to a flooding risk has instead created a living, dynamic and beautiful neighbour.

“We feel connected to the trees we planted and through them to our wider valley habitat. As we care for them together, we are caring for ourselves, our community and the changing seasons of our future.”