PLANTING more trees in Ryedale is being considered in order to prevent flooding in York.

As part of their long-term strategy for the River Foss, which devastatingly flooded the city in December 2015, the Environment Agency is looking at the higher reaches of the river and how it can use the land to soak up or “hold” more of the water.

The River Foss rises in the Howardian Hills and runs through the farmland of western Ryedale before it reaches York.

Now, in addition to a new £17m Foss barrier upgrade where it meets the Ouse, the Environment Agency are thinking about more natural flood prevention measures.

>> CLICK HERE FOR A GALLERY OF PICTURES OF THE BOXING DAY FLOODS 2015

A map produced by the agency shows that near villages like Brandsby and Crayke, possible measures include floodplain reconnection, riverside tree-planting, in-channel debris, and increasing channel “sinuosity”.

Slightly further downstream, near Sheriff Hutton, similar measures such as reforestation are being considered.

The plans are reminiscent of the Slowing the Flow project north of Pickering.

Project director Ben Hughes stressed that no decisions had been taken and the agency was seeking to work with landowners, internal drainage boards and local authorities in drawing up plans.

He said: “Unless we can slow the flow upstream, it is predicted that in 100 years’ time the flood defences in York will need to be 90cm higher just to offer the same standard of protection as they do now.”

He said it had been calculated that, if natural flood management measures were introduced in every location identified through this project, it would reduce peak flood flows on the Foss in York by a maximum of 10 per cent.

“This is a valuable difference, but it will be difficult to attract conventional flood risk funding for such diverse and widespread work.”