The River Severn in Hafren Forest
This picture was taken downstream of the flume gauging station but prior to the first urban settlement (the town of Llanidloes, Powys). This is still an upland area with coniferous vegetation surround the stream.
This inefficient river channel will be one of the main reason for localised flooding. As there is limited anthropogenic (human) activity in this location, the only management stategies are boardwalks and benches for recreation, little money is spent on flood prevention or stabiliasation of the channel bank on the outside edge of the meander bend.
The 'cost' of flood prevention and bank stabilisation would be far in excess of the 'benefits' gained from the few visitors to such a remote area.