Flood wardens
Flood wardens are local volunteers who play a vital role in supporting their community before, during, and after a flood.
Flood Wardens use their knowledge of the area and their community connections to support neighbours and act as an essential link to the Emergency Services during a flood. They are local community members including residents, parish council representatives, and existing volunteers.
Working closely with Parish Councils across West Northamptonshire, our growing network of dedicated Flood Wardens is making a real difference in helping communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from flooding.
Duties
Flood warden duties include:
- monitoring watercourses and reporting blockages
- raising awareness of the flood risk to the community
- being a vital link between the community and those responding to floods
- ensuring the community sign up for flood and weather alerts
- assisting the Parish Council with the Community Emergency Plan
Being a flood warden is a way of giving back to the community and giving local residents reassurance that the community is prepared for a Flood Event. It is also a great way of meeting people and learning about the flood issues in your local area.
Training and PPE
Training is free and provided by West Northamptonshire Council.
Representatives from other agencies such as the Environment Agency, Kier and the Fire Service could be in attendance. The initial training is a full day and in person.
On completion of the training, Flood Wardens will be issued with PPE. This is essential equipment which will aid the Flood Warden in carrying out their duties.
A waiting list for the next training session is now open. To register your interest in the training, please email [email protected].
An annual refresher course is in development. This will be a short online session that flood wardens can view at their convenience. Details will be sent to registered Flood Wardens when their refresher is due.
Volunteering
If you or someone in your community would like to become a flood warden, please complete our online form.
Please note these details will be shared with your local Parish Council.
If your Parish does not currently have a flood warden scheme in place, we will work with them to see if we can put this in place.
Flood warden events
Flood warden coffee morning
Our next flood warden coffee morning will take place on 15 May 2026, from 10am to 12pm, at Weedon Village Hall (NN7 4QU).
This informal drop in session is open to:
- current flood wardens
- residents interested in learning more about the Flood Warden role
- anyone considering volunteering to support their community
The event is a great opportunity to meet like minded people, share good practice, exchange ideas, and build local resilience. It’s also the perfect chance to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee.
If you would like to attend, please email [email protected] as places are limited.
Flood wardens in practice
In the video below, local volunteers share how Weedon Bec set up its FLAG (Flood Liaison Action Group).
The FLAG brings together residents, parish representatives and partners to:
- monitor flood hotspots
- coordinate alerts
- support neighbours
- work with local authorities to reduce flood risk
This video puts theory into practice and shows how Flood Wardens can make a real difference in the their local Community.
Weedon Bec's Flood Wardens: Protecting a Northamptonshire VillageFlood warden newsletters
Our flood warden newsletters are sent out on a bi-monthly basis.
Last updated 02 April 2026