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.
Within the Tarland catchment there are historic problems with both flooding and water quality. Since the year 2000 there have been many projects, carried out by local organisations designed to investigate and solve the problems of diffuse pollution and water management within the catchment.
In early October 2011, a reach of the lower Logie Burn, was reconnected to relict meanders to restore its meandering morphology, river habitat and riparian habitat diversity. Further aims were to reduce downstream phosphorous and fine sediment transfer into Loch Davan by enhancing in-channel storage capacity and raise the profile of this style of restoration to practitioners and stakeholders in the region.
The aim of the Eddleston project is to assess the impact of restoring natural features and processes on both flood attenuation and the ecology of the river, and also to provide empirical evidence with which to assess the effectiveness of the measures implemented. At the same time, a key element is to work with landowners, farmers and the local community so as to maintain the sustainability of land management at all times.
The main focus of this project is to collect empirical data to determine how NFM can be used as a flood management tool and to identify other multiple benefits such as improved habitat.