Science and Research

There is a good level of understanding of the local hydrological effects of most NFM measures. However, the wider hydrological impacts of NFM measures at the catchment scale are less clear. This topic includes research on the effects of NFM, as well as research that supports delivery, such as social research on land managers attitudes to NFM or barriers to implementation. Scientific research is available in all forms and scales, for example, from empirical studies to new modelling tools and from the plot scale to the full catchment scale.

West Sands Beach, St Andrews

In 2010 a large scale dune restoration project was completed at West Sands Beach, St Andrews.  Due to the location of the site in the SAC, it’s designation within an SSSI and Natura 2000 site; all work had to ensure conservation objectives were met. Preliminary work to determine and map the sediment patterns and grain size distributions within the dunes and intertidal area was crucial to the long term viability and success of the project. A “donor” site was identified that could withstand periodic sediment extraction without suffering long term consequences.

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The effect of NFM in-stream wood placements on fish movement in Scotland (CREW report)
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. 

Learning from community led flood risk management (CREW report)
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 (CREW report)
Effect of soil structure and field drainage on water quality and flood risks (report by CREW)

Natural Flood Management in the context of UK reservoir legislation (CREW report)
A short policy paper by CREW detailing the issues managers come up against when implementing NFM in relation to UK reservoir legislation.  Information is sought on whether these issues still apply under the new Reservoirs Act.
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