What is the FDRI?

Floods and droughts cause significant economic, social, and environmental impacts and they are predicted to increase in intensity, frequency, and duration in response to changes in climate and human activity. The need for new science to underpin the UK’s preparedness and resilience to these extreme events has never been more pressing.

FDRI is a new 5-year capital investment by the UK Government enabling essential science and innovation to improve the country’s resilience to hydrological extremes. It will enable focused observations of water input, movement, and storage in three river basins, one in England, Wales and Scotland, with mobile instruments available for UK-wide deployment. 

FDRI will:


When and how will FDRI be implemented?

As a NERC National Capability delivery partner, the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) is leading FDRI’s implementation and will support its operation beyond 2029. 
 
The FDRI project includes four phases.

FDRI phases diagram

(A text description of this image is provided at the end of this page)

Our partners at the University of Bristol, British Geological Survey and Imperial College London are working with us to deliver the implementation phase. We are also seeking input from the FDRI Community Advisory Group and other stakeholders. 


Where will the FDRI Sites be located?

After detailed investigation by our delivery team, supported by careful evaluation from our Community Advisory Group, unanimous support was given for observations in three basins: Thames (Chess), Severn, and Tweed.


Text description of the FDRI phases figure:

The four phases are arranged in a horizontal row. They are:

  • Phase 1: Scoping. 2020 to 2022.
  • Phase 2: Planning and design. 2022 to 2024.
  • Phase 3: Implementation. 2024 - 2029.
  • Phase 4: Operation. 2029 onwards.

Below each phase is further text:

  • Scoping phase features: Community engagement; identify priorities; define scope.
  • Planning and design phase features: Business case development; detailed design; co-design with existing infrastructure; keep community informed.
  • Implementation phase features: Procure, build and test; establish innovation programme; establish capacity building programme; engage community; data access.
  • Operational phase features: Maintain and develop infrastructure; enable science community.

Significant events are marked on the timeline:

  • Between phases 1 and 2, UKRI announced intent to fund (38 million pounds over 5 years); Reports published.
  • Between phases 2 and 3: Funding secured.
  • Between phases 3 and 4: Infrastructure installed.