SEPA Natural Flood Management Handbook
In 2016, SEPA published this handbook to help local authorities and landowners implement NFM
Woodland
Woodlands can help to attenuate floods through a number of hydrological processes, such as the interception of rainfall, increased use of water (evapotranspiration), and increased infiltration of water into the soil profile. Woodlands also act to slow surface runoff and reduce sediment transport down hillslopes, by increasing the resistance to flow. Upland areas, which have higher rainfall, steeper slopes, gullies and often quite shallow soils, can deliver significant amounts of floodwater from headwaters to the lower catchment areas. Well sited and managed woodlands protect the soil from disturbance and improve soil structure due to the action of tree roots and high inputs of organic matter. These conditions enhance the soil infiltration pathways and the water storage capacity thereby reducing direct surface run-off, erosion and sediment transport.
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.
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.
Eddleston Water, Tweed Catchment
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.
Bowmont Catchment, Tweed Catchment
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.
UN Nature Based Solutions for water report launched
The UN 2018 World Water Development Report (WWDR), Nature Based Solutions for water was launched via a presentation at the 8th World Water Forum in Brazil on 19th March 2018.
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?
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: A large scale survey of farmers’ attitudes to NFM and to the use of potential policy instruments to promote its uptake and delivery; andFarm-scale economic analyses of the impact of NFM measures under different scenarios.See - https://www.crew.ac.uk/publication/land-management-increased-flood-resilience
In 2016, SEPA published this handbook to help local authorities and landowners implement NFM