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In a remarkable display of determination and resourcefulness, Nick Lupton, a resident of Worcestershire, England, has taken matters into his own hands to protect his home from the relentless floods of the River Severn. After enduring an astonishing 11 floods since 2016, Lupton decided to build a robust flood wall around his 17th-century property, which has proven to be a lifesaver in recent tests.
The Story Behind the Wall
Lupton's home, situated near the River Severn between Worcester and Upton upon Severn, has been a victim of frequent flooding due to its location on a high-risk floodplain. The property, once a river ferryboat's inn, has seen its fair share of waterlogged days, with the sound of floating beer barrels in the cellar serving as an ominous sign of rising waters in the past13.
Exhausted by the constant cleanups and the emotional toll of repeated flooding, Lupton and his wife, Annie, decided to take drastic action. They remortgaged their home to finance the construction of a 110-meter-long reinforced concrete wall, which was completed in September 202346. The wall was built 30 centimeters higher than the previous highest flood level, providing an additional layer of protection against future deluges23.
The Wall's First Test
The wall faced its first major test in October 2023, when severe flooding hit the area. Thankfully, it performed admirably, keeping the floodwaters at bay and safeguarding the property13. This success was repeated in subsequent floods, solidifying Lupton's belief in his decision to build the wall.
"It's always a relief when the river goes down," Lupton said, reflecting on the wall's effectiveness. "We're into the recovery now, there's a few jobs to do, even though the wall's keeping it away from the house," he added, highlighting the reduced stress and workload thanks to the barrier1.
Sharing His Experience
Following the wall's success, Lupton has shared his experience through an e-book titled The Great Wall of Pixham, which details the construction process and offers advice to others facing similar challenges. The e-book is available for free to those affected by flooding, aiming to help others replicate his efforts2.
Climate Change and Flooding
Lupton attributes the increasing frequency and severity of floods to climate change, among other factors. The UK's Met Office warns that winters are projected to become warmer and wetter, leading to more frequent and intense flooding events3. Experts like Dave Throup, who has worked with the Environment Agency, caution that current flood defenses may soon be overwhelmed by extreme weather conditions1.
Conclusion
Nick Lupton's story serves as a powerful example of resilience and proactive problem-solving in the face of environmental challenges. As the world grapples with the impacts of climate change, his experience offers valuable insights into how individuals can take steps to protect their homes and communities from rising waters.
Sources:
BBC News, "Worcestershire man who built flood wall's relief as River Severn falls," January 11, 2024.
BBC News, "Worcestershire man's advice after flood wall built around home," September 16, 2023.
CBS News, "An Englishman's home has flooded nearly a dozen times in 7 years; he built a massive wall," January 5, 2024.