Local Scale Flood Management Case Study: Pickering Beck

Question 1

Where is the beck?

Answer 1

Pickering Beck runs for 18 miles from its source in the North York Moors, through Pickering to its confluence with Costa Beck in Kirby Misperton.

Question 2

Describe the characteristics of Pickering Beck’s drainage basin

Answer 2

The catchment has an area of 66km2, covering moorland, coniferous woodland and arable farms. The river runs down a narrow valley between plateaus, only wide enough for the stream and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway Line

Question 3

How much rain fell in the catchment between 1972 and 2007?

Answer 3

14.4 cumecs per year

504 cumecs in total

Question 4

When is rainfall at its peak in Pickering?

Answer 4

Late November
Mid October
Early February
Mid March
Late May

Question 5

What is the geology of the area?

Answer 5

Impervious grit stone and limestone

Question 6

How has peat digging affected water flow in the moors?

Answer 6

Peat has to be dried before it can be collected, reducing water storage capacity. Dried peat is also water retardant.

Question 7

What human land uses have increased runoff further?

Answer 7

Arable Farming - Ridge and Furrow
Livestock Farming - Ground Compacting
Forest/Moorland Cultivation - Drainage Channels

Question 8

How have humans affected water quality in the area?

Answer 8

Over farming has caused fertilisers and effluent to run off into waterways.

Question 9

What does the “slow the flow” scheme aim to do, in 3 points?

Answer 9

Slow water entering the catchment
Store water in the middle of the catchment
Improve outflow as water exits the catchment

Question 10

Give an example of a strategy used at Pickering Beck and a brief description of how it works

Answer 10

Any one from:
Woody-debris dams - blocks and slows floodwater flow
No burn zones - stops drying out of moorland
Flood bund - forces floodwater to sit, encouraging infiltration