Heritage at risk of flooding and resilient communities

Flooding is a natural, major hazard. However, during the past decades we have witnessed some of the most severe types of flooding, which have had a really damaging impact on the local communities, natural landscape and cultural heritage. Because of the intensity and frequency of the latest flooding, especially in the United Kingdom, it is extremely important that communities learn how to limit their risks and damages, through appropriate prevention and response strategies. By addressing the broad question: ‘what is the relationship between climate change and heritage in the UK?’, this paper explores the (personal and cultural) effects that recent flooding has had on local heritage sites and communities in the United Kingdom. It considers the strategies implemented by local governments and communities to respond to this dangerous natural phenomenon. Specifically, the paper will focus on two main examples: it will look at the historic towns of York and Lancaster (two areas/towns regularly exposed to and damaged by flooding) and on the ways in which communities have resiliently dealt with its aftermath, throughout the time. The paper, therefore, will highlight the importance that heritage has for local communities as well as the sense of cultural responsibility and resilience - triggered by the fear of possible permanent damages to the heritage sites. The paper is based on a project funded by the BA and the Newton Fund and it intends to present the initial findings of the research