River restoration for natural flood management in Eddleston Water

The restoration of a straightened river included re-connecting the river to its surrounding floodplain and creating storage ponds and small wetlands. These measures aimed to improve natural flood management of the catchment while also restoring biodiversity.

Nature-based Intervention:

Eddleston Water was a straightened river that risked flooding 500 properties downstream. Therefore, the Scottish Tweed Forum embarked on an assessment of the natural flood management potential associated with restoring Eddleston Water. Working with local landowners, they managed to plant over 200 hectares of native trees, create cross-slope hedgerows, and install 116 log barriers on high tributaries to create small wetlands. Furthermore, 28 flood storage ponds were created, three kilometres of the main river were re-meandered, and several embankments were removed reconnecting the river with its surrounding floodplain.

Overview of context and outcomes:

Straightened rivers, as opposed to natural meandering rivers, are associated with negative environmental impacts caused by faster flows, the diversion of rivers from natural recharge points, and the disruption of natural wildlife habitats. The combined interventions implemented are intended to reduce flood risk in the river catchment as well as restore the natural ecosystem of the river.