Natural flood risk management in the Eddleston Water

Case Study Complete
Date added: 11/07/2016
Improving river quality and reducing flood risk with the communities of the Eddleston Water in the Scottish Borders.

The Eddleston Water is a sub catchment of the River Tweed. It measures 69 square km. The main stream is 12km. Lying to the North of Peebles in the Scottish Borders, the Eddleston Water covers a large area of hill and improved grassland. Tweed Forum is working with 12 farmers and land owners in the valley on a co-ordinated approach to Natural Flood Management.

Work to slow the flow and increase storage of flood waters is ongoing at 20 separate sites. The techniques being used include:

  • Planting native woodland on floodplains and in hill cleuchs. The trees and coarse grass generated will help slow the surface flow rate which will help take the peak off the flood water.
  • Creating new water retention ponds to capture flood water. Re-meandering canalised ditches and watercourses will encourage a more natural watercourse ecosystem to develop.
  • Installing log-jams in the headwaters to slow down run-off. This will benefit water quality, wildlife and the fisheries.

The film below includes more information about the work that is being carried out in the Eddleston Water catchment: