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.
Land management for increased flood resilience (CREW report)
The 'Land management for increased flood resilience' report was published by CREW and authored by Spray et al., (2015). The main objectives of the project were to undertake:
New book on Multifunctional Wetlands released by United Nations University, Institute for Water, Environment and Health
A new book on multifunctional wetlands has been produced by UNU-INWEH. The book aims to put wetlands at the heart of the Nature Based Solutions approach. The book is designed to aid planners and ecosystem managers on the value of creating and restoring wetlands in catchments. The full title of the book is "Multi-functional Wetlands; Pollution Abatement and Other Ecological Services from Natural and Constructed Wetlands"
SEPA Natural Flood Management Handbook
In 2016, SEPA published this handbook to help local authorities and landowners implement NFM
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.
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.
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)
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.