Flood plain soil in the UK plays a crucial role in mitigating the effects of flooding. Floodplain meadows, in particular, are a valuable ecosystem that provides numerous benefits, including:

• Flood storage: Floodplain meadows can store floodwaters, reducing the risk of downstream flooding and protecting communities.

• Soil and nutrient retention: These meadows help keep soil and nutrients out of rivers, maintaining water quality and preventing pollution.

• Natural productivity: Floodplain meadows are naturally productive without artificial fertilizers, recover well after floods, and remain productive during droughts.