Multiple benefits
The primary role of NFM is to attenuate flood peaks within catchments for flood risk management purposes. However, most NFM measures provide added benefits for the wider environment and this topic collates material surrounding these multiple benefits. This could include, for example, information on measures that have improved water quality, biodiversity, carbon targets cultural activity, farm productivity, low flows, air quality and aesthetic quality, health and well-being.
SEPA Natural Flood Management Handbook
In 2016, SEPA published this handbook to help local authorities and landowners implement NFM
Nigg Bay Coastal Re-alignment
The coastal re-alignment at Nigg Bay was completed in 2003. It was the first project of this type to be completed in Scotland. The RSPB has been involved with the management of the site since the 1990’s and in 1997 they approached landowners hoping to purchase areas of intertidal flat. The Meddat field site, which became the coastal realignment site, was suggested as the seawall was becoming badly eroded and un-economic to repair.
Dunruchan Peatland Restoration, Knaik, Allan Water
Peatland restoration is important for storing and sequestering carbon, improving water quality and attenuating downstream flood risk. The Dunruchan Farm Peatland Restoration Project has delivered 48.2ha of restored upland blanket bog located in the Knaik sub catchment of the Allan Water, Perthshire.
Film released on Natural Flood Management
A new film is being previewed online which gives an extensive overview of the role of Natural Flood Management. The film, directed by Andy Clark, covers topics such as the evidence, the role of communities and the role of landmanagers in working with Natural Flood Management. The film website gives information of viewings that may be taking place near you and a detailed film 'snippet' library. The library contains real stories told by active stakeholders working with NFM. It is supported by a number of institutes who are working closely with Natural Flood Management network Scotland.
EEA highlight importance of restoring floodplains and wetlands.
The European Environment Agency have issued a statement highlighting the importance of restoring floodplains and wetlands to offer value for money solutions to flooding. This comes out of the latest publication on "Green Infrastructure and flood management - promoting cost-efficient flood risk reduction via green infrastructure solutions" which outlined series of challenges and opportunities of using more Nature Based Solution approaches. There are six detailed case studies in the report. More details can be found in the link below.
Soils and Natural Flood Management: New report by Catchment Based Approach
A manual has been released on soil management with respect to Natural Flood Management, specifically for soils in the Devon and Cornwall region (however, findings have wider applicability). The document, authored by Richard Smith from the Environment Agency (and supported by Devon County Council, East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, FWAG South West and South West Water) aims to improve understanding on the potential of soil in the region to infiltrate rainfall thereby reducing surface runoff.
Working with Natural Processes Evidence Directory launched
The Environment Agency for England and Wales recently published various outputs from the Working with Natural Processes (WWNP) project. The project looked at mechanisms to reduce flood hazards by using natural techniques in catchments and coasts. The project is underpinned by an extensive literature review which collated all known available knowledge within the UK and also drew upon relevant international literature. This literature has been synthesized into one location allowing it to be accessible to flood risk planners and other interested bodies.
Braemar floodplain restoration, River Dee
In 1937, a 100+ year recurrence interval flood eroded a ~60 m long section of the 18th Century levee (flood embankment) on the Allanmore floodplain west of Braemar.
Allt Lorgy, River Dulnain, Spey Catchment
The need for ‘catchment wide’ management of the Spey was formally recognised in the 2003 Spey Catchment Management Plan, which provided a strategic framework for the wise and sustainable use of the whole water resource. An updated and reviewed Spey Catchment Management plan was published in 2016.
This report (published by CREW) provides a review and analysis of information on the passage by fish at wooden obstacles (woody placements), used for flood management, in Scotland.
What can be learnt from working with a community to identify what flood risk management measures are needed, are acceptable and which deliver the greatest multiple benefits?
Effect of soil structure and field drainage on water quality and flood risks (report by CREW)