Advancing contemporary understandings of rural community flood experiences

Abstract

This thesis examines the flood experiences of rural riparian communities along the River Severn catchment, addressing a significant gap in flood vulnerability research that has predominantly focused on urban contexts. Using an approach that integrates the principles of natural hazard management with rural geography perspectives, the study investigates how relational, and material factors shape human-flood system dynamics within diverse rural settings. Through a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative survey data (n=176) and qualitative interviews with community members including residents (n=18), business owners (n=7) and flood risk management (FRM) stakeholders (n=4), the research reveals the differentiated nature of rural flood vulnerability, risk perception, and resilience across varying settlement types. Findings demonstrate significant variations between villages and rural towns, with village residents experiencing greater direct flood impacts, higher mental health concerns, and stronger intra-community support networks, while rural towns benefit from better institutional engagement and protective infrastructure. The research identifies how life stage, place attachment, spatial location, rural function (distinguishing between residents and diverse business types including agriculture, hospitality, and service sectors), and community dynamics intersect to create distinctive patterns of vulnerability and resilience. Rural businesses, particularly agrarian enterprises, demonstrate heightened vulnerability due to their dependence on flood-exposed land, while non-agrarian businesses exhibit greater operational flexibility during flood events. Additionally, the study explores rural communities' perceptions of FRM agencies, highlighting issues of spatial justice and the potential for enhanced community participation in flood governance. By foregrounding lived rural experiences and recognising the differentiated nature of rural communities, this thesis advances both theoretical understanding of human-flood system dynamics and provides practical insights for more equitable, context-sensitive flood risk management approaches in rural areas.