The agency has published an updated directory on the flood management benefits of a range of measures from woodlands to saltmarshes.

Beavers can play a role in tackling flooding, a new assessment from the Environment Agency on how nature can help address floods has said.

The updated directory summarises the latest evidence for the flood and coastal erosion benefits of 17 natural measures – from river restoration to woodlands in catchments and along water courses, and managing saltmarshes and sand dunes.

The Environment Agency said it is “mainstreaming” the use of natural flood management alongside the use of traditional engineered defences, with a £25 million programme as part of the £2.65 billion two-year flood defences package recently announced by the Government.