'Thank you Greta': natural solutions to UK flooding climb the agenda

People are increasingly looking to restore the soil's ability to retain water, planting trees and hedges, and creating relief channels to tackle the recurring threat of high waters

• 'The losses could be profound': how floods are wreaking havoc on wildlife

There is ponding on nearly every field in the valley where the rivers Severn and Vyrnwy meet on the English-Welsh border. Swollen rivers have been sluggishly sitting in the valley for months. Inhabitants' attempts to protect their homes from flooding are part of a losing battle played out across the country.

The UK's flooding this year is a story of desperation - but also hope, says John Hughes, development manager at Shropshire Wildlife Trust, who works in the valley. Following widespread acceptance of the climate and ecological emergency, Hughes believes people are increasingly looking to nature for solutions.