Ingleton Wood supports flood resilience at Grade I listed St Michael and All Angels church, Tirley, Gloucestershire Friday, 30th May 2025

Ingleton Wood is proud to be working with the Diocese of Gloucester and the Diocesan Advisory Committee to help protect Gloucestershire’s historic churches from the growing threat of flooding.

St Michael and All Angels in Tirley, is one of eight historic churches situated between the two rivers of the Severn and the Leadon, in a landscape regularly experiencing severe flooding events. As part of a wider research initiative into the flood resilience of heritage buildings, Ingleton Wood is undertaking a comprehensive flood impact and protection survey for the church and its surrounding grounds.

These works aim to understand where the building is most vulnerable and recommend sensitive and effective solutions to reduce the risk and impact of future flooding.

Our multidisciplinary team is closely examining all aspects of the church’s fabric, particularly at low levels where water damage can be most severe. From masonry and mortar joints to drainage, thresholds, internal furnishings, and churchyard monuments, our team will assess how each element might be affected by flood events and what can be done to protect them. Surface finishes, historic wall structures, and even the location of critical services are also being considered.

The survey also builds on lessons learned from past flooding events; we’re reviewing existing mitigation measures, some of which were introduced after the 2007 floods, and exploring both simple improvements and more substantial interventions. These include flood resistance and resilience strategies, as well as environmental risk prevention, such as safeguarding against oil or foul water contamination.

What makes this project particularly powerful is the wealth of local knowledge; we’re working in close collaboration with the  PCC church-warden, inspecting architects and diocesan officers. Their experience in dealing with the realities of flooding is invaluable and will directly shape the practical recommendations we provide.

Our research is supported by extensive reference to national and local flood risk strategies, topographical and geological data, and key guidance from Historic England and Ecclesiastical Insurance. The findings will contribute to a broader regional effort to strengthen the flood preparedness of church buildings, many of which face increasing pressure from climate change and more frequent extreme weather.

As specialists in conservation and sustainability, Ingleton Wood are passionate about helping communities protect their heritage, and we are delighted to contribute to this important project. 

Together we can help ensure that cherished places like St Michael and All Angels continue to serve their communities for generations to come, and we look forward to the potential of applying this research to other sites across the region. 

The project was made possible thanks to grants from the Diocese of Gloucester’s allocation of the Buildings for Mission Programme, funded by the Church Commissioners and administered by the Archbishops’ Council, and from Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust.