Engagement
Over the spring/summer of 2026, we will be popping up at various community events to raise awareness of the project and to hear from you. We want to understand what you currently enjoy about the riverside and what you’d like it to look and feel like in the future. We’ll use this information to help shape the design of the flood defences.
Get in touch with us at avonriversides@bristol.gov.uk or fill out our contact us form with your ideas and suggestions.
Have your sayConsultation
In 2020, we held a formal public consultation on the draft Bristol Avon Flood Strategy. To find out more, see the Bristol Avon Flood Strategy consultation report and the You Said, We Did – Consultation responses and outcomes to find out more. Statutory consultees also provided their feedback.
We will be holding the next public consultation in Autumn 2026. This will be your chance to feedback on the emerging designs of the flood defences in each location. Return to this page when the consultation is live to give your feedback.
Engagement and consultation timeline
This timeline shows when you’ll be able to have your say and influence the design of the defences. We’re calling these ‘Listening’ periods. It also shows when the project team will be focused on designing the defences based on your feedback.
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Listening
Spring/early summer 2026
Find out about the project, the flood risk and let us know what you like about the riverside and what would you like to see.
Designing
Mid/late summer 2026
Project team busy developing the first version of the flood defence designs and preparing for the public consultation in the Autumn.
Listening
Autumn 2026
Give us your feedback on the emerging designs of the flood defences as part of the formal public consultation.
Designing
End 2026/first half of 2027
Project team updating the designs based on your feedback from the public consultation.
Listening
Mid-2027
Light-touch engagement to reflect back some of the changes/updates to the designs.
Designing
End of 2027
Project team working on the final design of the flood defences.
Listening
Early 2028 – public consultation
Have your say on the next version of the flood defence designs. These designs will be used to apply for consent to construct the scheme.
Upcoming events and activities
If you would like us to come and talk to your community or local group about the project, please contact us using the online form or emailing avonriversides@bristol.gov.uk
Community events
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Wednesday April 22, 2026
Community events
Redcliffe Residents Group Meeting (6-7pm)
Thursday May 7, 2026
Community events
Shirehampton Monthly Market at Shire Methodist Church
Saturday May 9, 2026
Community events
Sea Mills Flower and Craft Show at St. Edyth’s Church
Wednesday May 13, 2026
Community events
Redcliffe Community Hub Drop-In (9-10am)
Saturday May 23, 2026
Community events
Redcliffe Community Festival (all-day event)
Wednesday July 1, 2026
Community events
Hotwells and Cliftonwood Association AGM (7-9pm)
Saturday July 11, 2026
Community events
Sea Mills Community Repair Café at Sea Mills Methodist Church
Friday July 17, 2026
Community events
Bristol Harbour Fest at Spike Island Exhibition Space
Monthly Walkabouts
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Wednesday May 13, 2026
Monthly Walkabouts
Monthly Walkabout (St. Anne’s to Crew’s Hole)
Wednesday June 3, 2026
Monthly Walkabouts
Monthly Walkabout (St. Philip’s Marsh and Feeder Road)
Wednesday July 1, 2026
Monthly Walkabouts
Monthly Walkabout (Redcliffe to Spike Island – start of Chocolate Path)
Wednesday August 5, 2026
Monthly Walkabouts
Monthly Walkabout (Hotwells and Entrance Lock)
Your flood risk: preparation and response
Preparing for and responding to flood risk is the responsibility of several different people and organisations.
In the event of a flooding emergency where life is in danger, call 999 and ask for the Fire and Rescue Service.
As Lead Local Flood Authority for Bristol, Bristol City Council manages flood risks from:
- Surface water
- Groundwater
- Ordinary watercourses.
Check your flood risk, learn how to protect your property, understand our role, and find out how to report flooding.
The Environment Agency
The Environment Agency manages flood risks from:
- Main rivers
- The sea
- Reservoirs
- Check for current flood warnings or alerts
- View river, sea, groundwater and rainfall levels
- See 5-day flood risk forecasts
- Learn how to prepare for flooding, respond to flooding, and recover from flooding
- Find out if your property is in a flood-prone area
Community action and support
Communities can play an active role in preparing for and responding to flooding when it happens. You can help to reduce your own flood risk by preparing a personal, community or business flood plan. Support may also be available in your local area from flood action groups or community flood warden. Visit the Environment Agency website for more information.
If you consider yourself to be in extra need of support during emergencies such as flooding, you can sign up to the Priority Services Register (PSR) directly through your energy or water supplier or through the national PSR website. The PSR can support you by providing:
