Values influence public perceptions of flood management schemes

Natural Flood Management (NFM) is now well established as a paradigm for reducing flood risk. It characterised by adopting catchment-wide hydrological perspective and implementing solutions that work with natural processes such wetlands, riparian vegetation river channel rehabilitation. However, despite substantial attention in the science literature growing appreciation NFM among environmental managers, little research has been conducted on how public perceives NFM. This study explored preferences variety of risk management schemes through an online survey UK public, assessed different characteristics these contribute to via Q-method utilising array photographs. Relationships between respondents' underlying transcendental values their were also studied. Results revealed while approaches appreciated appearance wildlife benefits, traditional grey engineering – particularly dams was seen more effective ameliorating Q-sorts photographs three factors participants' preferences: (i) “Engineered - Natural”, (ii) “Messy Neat” (iii) “Grey Green”. Finally, significantly related scheme preferences, ‘Self-Transcendence’ positively correlated tree planting wetlands negatively weirs. ‘Conservative’ dredging weirs wetlands. These findings emphasise plurality perceptions diverse value orientations within which they are grounded. River catchment managers seeking promote should focus addressing concerns about efficacy mitigating risk, consider communicate ways resonate set values.