IDB Winter Resilience Fund
The Internal Drainage Board (IDB) Winter Resilience Fund will support greater flood resilience for farms and rural communities across England. It will do this by funding the one-off maintenance, repair and improvement of vital flood and water management assets. It aims to: - reduce flood damage to agricultural land, protecting crops and livestock - support IDBs to deliver flood resilience measures in their catchments - support agricultural productivity and adaptation to climate change The fund is a competitive grant scheme open to all IDBs in England. Projects must complete by 31st March 2027.
- Opening date: (Midday)
- Closing date: (Midnight)
Contents
Summary
The Fund recognises that 12% of agricultural land and many rural communities lie within flood risk zones. Prolonged wet conditions put significant pressure on flood risk assets and cause extensive inundation of agricultural land.
We saw this during the winter of 2025 to 2026. That winter saw a series of storms across the UK. These led to rainfall 35% above the long-term average (LTA) and widespread impacts across rural areas.
The purpose is to support IDBs in their important work to:
increase the resilience of agricultural land and rural communities to the effects of flooding
improve performance of rural and agricultural flood risk assets
support environmentally sustainable flood risk management
provide accessible support for rural flood risk management aligned with FCERM strategies
Eligibility
The Fund is open to all IDBs in England. To be eligible for a grant your project must:
benefit farmers and rural communities in relation to reducing or managing flood risk
provide value for money, including ensuring cost of repairs do not exceed value of existing assets and future benefits provided
be consistent with existing flood and coastal plans, for example local flood risk management strategies, maintenance protocol, flood risk management plans and shoreline management plans
not duplicate ongoing or committed work/asset purchases from other funding sources, including any projects currently funded through the Environment Agency’s flood risk investment programme
be for new or the expansion of an existing project which provides additional benefits
not cause damage to the environment and be compliant with all relevant environmental regulations including in relation to designated sites.
Objectives
The purpose is to support IDBs in their important work to:
increase the resilience of agricultural land and rural communities to the effects of flooding
improve performance of rural and agricultural flood risk assets
support environmentally sustainable flood risk management
provide accessible support for rural flood risk management aligned with FCERM strategies
Dates
How to apply
A copy of the scheme prospectus, application form and frequently asked questions will be send directly to all IDBs in England. For further information please contact IDBWRFund@environment-agency.gov.uk