Case Study - Boscastle Floods

Severe Flash Floods showed the need for Flood Defences in Boscastle

• Villaege of Boscastle on the north coast of Cornwall was devasted by a flash flood on 16th August 2004
• The village was surrounded by steep valley sides cleared of vegetation which increases runoff and during periods of heavy rain, discharge increases quickly
• The old bridge in the village had a low arch - vehicles became trapped and formed a dam
• 90% of income is from tourism, and after 2004 the number of visitors dropped significantly

A Flood Management Scheme is now in place

• The old bridge has…