The Environment Agency is aiming to highlight the devastating impact of groundwater flooding with a new short film by Aardman, part of a wider campaign designed to drive innovation in flood and coastal resilience and adaptation to a changing climate.
Directed by Åsa Lucander, the film follows Darcy, a lonely mole searching for love, who is suddenly swept away by rising groundwater.
Darcy’s Tale explores how groundwater flooding occurs and underscores the importance of communities and flood industry professionals working together to be better prepared.
It supports ‘Let’s Talk Groundwater Flooding’, a new national network created by three groundwater flooding projects, funded by Defra as part of the £200m Flood & Coastal Innovation Programmes, which is managed by the Environment Agency.
Darcy’s Tale follows our 2021 short film, Missy’s Tale, created for Cornwall Council, The Environment Agency and Defra’s #BeFloodReady campaign. Also directed by Åsa Lucander, Missy’s Tale highlighted the impact flooding can have on homes and families, from the perspective of Missy the cat.
Let’s Talk Groundwater Flooding project lead at Project Groundwater Northumbria Meshi Taka said: “Groundwater flooding is one of the least understood types of flooding in England, yet it can be devastating, often causing disruptions that last for weeks or even months.
“It tends to surface weeks after long periods of heavy rain, causing damage to property, buildings and roads. It can overwhelm drainage and sewer networks, contaminate water, and make toilets and showers unusable for long periods”
Environment Agency director of flood risk strategy and national adaptation Julie Foley added: “Recent months have shown the impact that groundwater flooding can have on communities. By working with Aardman, our vital work to raise awareness of the impact and severity of groundwater flooding will reach more people across the country.
“It’s crucial for the public to understand their risk from flooding and we encourage people to use our new digital service to check their long-term flood risk.”
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