Ep. 047: Monmouth Floods Discussion

Guest: Tom Johnstone – Founder of We Are Nature Based

Host: Tom Constable (co‑founder of The Grange Project)

Episode overview

In this special episode, Tom Constable talks to flood‑management expert Tom Johnstone about the catastrophic flooding that recently hit Monmouthshire and large parts of Wales. We explore what drove the event, whether it was simply a natural flood or part of a climate‑induced trend, and what practical solutions exist to reduce future risk.

This conversation is grounded in both data and lived experience; it also responds to a social‑media debate where some posts dismissed any link between climate change and flooding.

About Tom Johnson:

• Founder of We Are Nature Based, a community interest company that helps water companies, local authorities and land managers adopt natural flood management techniques.
• Works across the UK integrating nature‑based solutions with traditional (grey) infrastructure, including leaky woody dams, tree planting and wetland creation.
• Previously collaborated with the Grange Project to install around 50 leaky woody structures in their stream – an effort that Tom Constable credits with slowing water on the farm.

Episode highlights:

[00:00] Introduction & purpose – Host Tom Constable explains the devastating floods that struck Monmouthshire and his aim to explore whether the floods are climate‑induced or natural.

[01:50] Acknowledging the impact – Guest Tom Johnson sends sympathies to affected communities, noting the hardship and setting the tone for a thoughtful discussion.

[03:20] Why Tom Johnstone? – Tom Johnstone outlines his credentials as the founder of We Are Nature Based and his expertise in natural flood management.

[04:30] What happened? Rainfall & river levels – The conversation turns to the flood statistics: nearly 120 mm of rain fell in 12 hours (more than 10 % of the annual average) and the River Monnow’s defences were overtopped.

[06:30] Are floods climate‑induced? – Tom Johnson explains that while floods are natural, the frequency of heavy rainfall and droughts is increasing due to climate change.

[09:00] Land use, soils & runoff – They discuss how centuries of land drainage, river straightening and intensive farming have compacted soils and accelerated runoff; Tom uses a dried‑out sponge analogy to describe baked soils repelling water.

[13:00] Dredging vs. slowing the flow – A pragmatic discussion on dredging where it’s needed and why slowing the flow with leaky dams, ponds and vegetation is often a better approach.

[16:00] Grange Project anecdote & climate projections – Tom Constable shares how hedgerows, tussocky grass and woody debris have slowed runoff on his farm; Tom Johnson discusses predictions of more flash‑flood events in Wales.

[19:00] Beyond higher walls: budgets & catchments – They question the wisdom of endlessly raising flood walls and advocate investing some flood‑defence budgets in catchment‑wide natural solutions.

[22:00] Policy & planning recommendations – Tom Johnstone suggests permeable paving for new developments, smart rainwater butts, incentives for farmers to hold water on their land, and integrated catchment planning.

[25:00] Closing thoughts & call to action – Tom Constable thanks his guest and encourages listeners to learn more, support affected communities and push for systemic change.

Resources and further reading

• We Are Nature Based: Tom Johnstone’s organisation specialising in natural flood management.
• The Grange Project: grangeproject.co.uk – Tom and Chloe’s nature‑restoration project in Monmouthshire.

Ep Art Image acknowledgement: GETTY IMAGES