Restoring River Woodlands for Healthier Rivers and Resilient Communities

Restoring river woodlands, trees and forests alongside rivers, streams and lochs, is gaining momentum across Scotland. These habitats are vital for improving water quality, reducing flood and drought risks, supporting biodiversity, and boosting community wellbeing. Yet over half of Scotland’s riverbanks are in poor condition, and efforts to restore them still face major challenges.
To help address these challenges, a new study funded by the Centre of Expertise for Waters set out to identify which knowledge, tools and actions are needed to support river woodland restoration across the country. Led by researchers from the James Hutton Institute and the University of Aberdeen, the team reviewed a decade of scientific research and engaged over 115 experts and stakeholders from across sectors.
The findings revealed strong support for river woodland restoration, but also highlighted that knowledge is not always being turned into action. Stakeholders pointed to funding gaps, limited collaboration, and a lack of practical guidance as key barriers.
In particular, the study found that while there is good evidence for the benefits of river woodlands in areas like water quality and biodiversity, more research is needed on topics such as tree placement for managing low river flows, selecting drought-resistant species, and understanding public attitudes to restoration. Stakeholders also called for tools that can assess the overall impact of river woodlands, not just single issues.
A workshop held as part of the project brought together experts to prioritise the most pressing knowledge gaps. Top recommendations included better coordination across policies, expanding funding options (including through nature markets), improving long-term monitoring, and increasing knowledge-sharing across sectors.
With researchers combining insights from literature reviews, surveys, workshops, and consultations to produce a final set of recommendations. These outputs aim to guide future investment, research, and restoration efforts. By aligning scientific evidence with stakeholder priorities, the project provides a strong foundation for more coordinated and effective river woodland restoration across Scotland.
This work builds on initiatives such as Riverwoods and aligns with Scotland’s wider environmental goals, including climate adaptation and biodiversity targets. By bridging the gap between evidence and action, it aims to support healthier rivers and more resilient landscapes for the benefit of nature and communities across Scotland.
CREW would like to thank the research team (James Hutton Institute and University of Aberdeen) and the Project Steering Group (SEPA, Scottish Wildlife Trust, Scottish Water, Scottish Forestry, Forest Research, NatureScot, and Scottish Government) for their dedication and support to the project and in addressing this important issue.
View the full project outputs here.
Prioritising research and development gap opportunities for river woodlands

River woodlands (RW) play a crucial role in protecting river ecosystems, for example by reducing flooding, storing carbon, filtering pollution, and benefiting local communities. However, nearly 55% of surveyed riverbank in Scotland show poor RW health. This highlights a need for RW restoration. While RW initiatives like Riverwoods are gaining traction, scaling them up remains challenging. In 2022, Riverwoods conducted a review of existing research on RW benefits, identifying 60 key knowledge gaps. However, that review did not consider the perspectives of different stakeholders such as policymakers, landowners, businesses, and conservation groups. Our project builds on that work by updating the scientific review and incorporating stakeholder priorities. Many policies support RW restoration, including the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy, Forestry policies, and the National Adaptation Plan. However, more work is needed to turn knowledge into practical guidance for policymakers, businesses, conservation groups, and other stakeholders.
This project aimed to:
- Review existing research to assess the strength of evidence on RW benefits and identify remaining knowledge gaps.
- Engage stakeholders (academics, policymakers, businesses, and environmental groups) to determine research priorities and practical needs for RW restoration.
- Find solutions to address these gaps and support investment in RW projects.
CRW2023_02 Prioritising R&D gap opportunities for river woodlands - Main report
CRW2023_02 Prioritising R&D gap opportunities for river woodlands - Policy Brief
CRW2023_02 Prioritising R&D gap opportunities for river woodlands - Project summary
CRW2023_02 Appendix 1 - Survey and workshop report
CRW2023_02 Appendix 2 - Interview report
CRW2023_02 Appendix 3 - Policy focus group report
CRW2023_02 Appendix 4 - Monitoring focus group report
CRW2023_02 Appendix 5 - Funding consultation report
CRW2023_02 Appendix 6 - Database
The effect of shellfish, kelp and sea grass beds on flood risk and coastal erosion in Scotland

Coastal flooding and erosion are increasing problems around the Scottish coastline resulting from climatic changes such as increased storm frequency and intensity, as well as rising sea levels. These pose risks to human life, infrastructure and properties, with negative consequences for the national economy. Besides ecosystem services such as habitat for threatened and commercial species, fisheries production, nutrient cycling, sediment stabilisation, water purification and carbon storage, marine vegetation canopies and shellfish habitats can dampen waves and currents, with the possibility of reducing risk of coastal flooding and erosion. However, there is a lack of consolidated information relating to the distribution and extent of such habitats at a national scale. In addition, evaluation of the potential for Natural Flood Management (NFM) by these habitats in a Scottish context has not been done. The project set out to address these knowledge gaps by focusing on 4 key habitats: kelp forests; seagrass beds; oyster reefs; and blue mussel beds.
The project aimed to evaluate how well selected shallow marine habitats (specifically kelp forests, seagrass beds, oyster reefs and blue mussel beds) protect the Scottish coastline from erosion and flooding. Consequently, a secondary aim was to assess the need and feasibility for protection and/or restoration of these habitats in relation to their potential role in Natural Flood Management (NFM) and erosion control. The following research tasks were undertaken:
1. Gathering and standardising available information on the location and extent around Scotland’s coast of the 4 habitats.
2. Predicting the reduction of waves and wave run-up by the 4 habitats using recently developed computer simulations.
3. Applying these predictions to specific Scottish locations to assess the degree of flood and erosion control by these habitats.
4. Acquiring information from stakeholders through a workshop to inform the project direction.
5. Assessing the effects of harvesting on the 4 habitats.
6. Assessing the potential for coastal protection through restoration of the 4 habitats.
Valuing Nature: How Cost-Benefit Analysis is Helping Shape Scotland’s Water and Soil Policy

Two projects commissioned by CREW have demonstrated the value of cost-benefit analysis in tackling environmental challenges, helping policymakers balance ecological protection with economic realities.
The first project, ‘Assessing the socio-economic impacts of soil degradation on Scotland’s water environment’ revealed that compacted soils alone cost Scottish farmers over £25 million per year in lost yields and increased fuel use. When additional impacts such as flooding, pollution, and biodiversity loss are considered, the national economic cost could exceed £70 million annually. These findings underline the importance of preventing soil degradation—not only for agricultural productivity but also for protecting water quality and reducing flood risks.
The second project, ‘Environmentally effective and cost-efficient sediment management at impoundments’, evaluated the cost-effectiveness of different catchment management approaches, such as tree planting along rivers and peatland restoration. Using survey responses from nearly 1,000 people, the analysis found that these nature-based interventions delivered clear economic and environmental benefits, reducing the frequency of costly sediment removal and improving river health.
These studies show how cost-benefit analysis can enhance evidence-based decision making. By quantifying both financial and ecological impacts, this approach helps ensure that environmental policies continue to deliver strong outcomes for people, landscapes, and climate resilience in Scotland.
For more information on the projects, including their cost-benefit analyses, please visit the publication pages linked above.
CREW would like to thank the research teams for both projects (The James Hutton Institute, SRUC, University of Aberdeen, University of Glasgow and CBEC eco-engineering) and the Project Steering Group (SEPA, NatureScot, Scottish Canals and Scottish Government) for their dedication and support to the project and in addressing this important issue.
CRW2025_01 Household flood plans in Scotland – applying behavioural learnings to inform best practice and uptake

Type of project: Capacity Building Project
Overview: CREW invites proposals for a capacity building project which applies behavioural science evidence to produce a household flood plan template and considers future actions to support uptake.
Budget: Funding available: £95,000 exclusive of VAT (where applicable).
Project Status: Project in procurement.
Call dates: Thursday 5th June – Wednesday 9th July, midday.
For more details, please view the project specification.
If you would like to submit a proposal, please use the CREW capacity building application form.
GUIDANCE & DOCUMENTATION
- All feedback and queries related to CREW calls should be emailed to procurement@crew.ac.uk
- All non-confidential queries and answers will be published on this website.
- All applications should be submitted by email to procurement@crew.ac.uk before the deadline.
- CREW Funding Terms and Conditions have been provided to all eligible Higher Education Institutes and Research Institutes.
- Please see FAQs for further information.
Understanding Scotland’s Role in Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance

A Changing AMR Landscape
A recent CREW stakeholder workshop brought together researchers, policymakers, industry experts, regulators and other environmental professionals to explore how Scotland is contributing to the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This workshop marked a key stage in the ongoing CREW project which builds on the findings from an earlier CREW project and involves updating the previously developed Scottish One-Health Antimicrobial Resistance Register (SOHAR) database. The SOHAR project team is led by Professor Fiona Henriquez-Mui at the University of Strathclyde but also involves leading academics in the area from Glasgow Caledonian, UWS, SRUC and JHI and is supported by the Scottish Government, SEPA and CREW. Furthermore, this project supports the UK’s AMR National Action Plan (2024–2029).
So far, the project team has carried out a rapid review of publicly available research and project data related to AMR. They’ve identified over 650 relevant publications and 250 projects with links to Scotland so far, covering a wide range of topics, from clinical AMR and antimicrobial stewardship to environmental transmission and emerging innovations. The refreshed register will feature new categories such as biosecurity, AI tools, and risk management, reflecting the evolving landscape of AMR research and helping inform decision-making across sectors.
Breakout Session 1 – AMR Community in Action
The first breakout discussion revealed the breadth of activity underway, from community pharmacy and hospital stewardship to environmental monitoring, climate-related risks, and agricultural practices. Participants also highlighted growing areas of focus such as aquaculture, biosensor innovation, and public awareness. A strong theme throughout was the importance of behaviour change, whether in prescribing, farming, or public engagement. The workshop showed just how interconnected AMR is across sectors, reinforcing the need for a One Health approach.
Breakout Session 2 – Shaping SOHAR
In the second breakout session, participants discussed how to improve the Scottish One Health AMR Register to ensure it is as useful and accessible as possible. Suggestions included adding more detailed metadata, such as sample locations, methods, and organisms studied, as well as clearer links to policy relevance and potential impacts. Others highlighted the importance of supporting collaboration across disciplines, sectors, and institutions, especially where AMR research overlaps with environmental monitoring, public health, and clinical care. There was also strong interest in using the register to support better communication, both among researchers and with the public, and in exploring partnerships with agencies to address overlooked risks such as tourist waste. These discussions reinforced the value of the register not just as a repository of information, but as a tool for shaping future research, policy, and public engagement.
Looking Ahead: From Evidence to Action
As the workshop drew to a close, there was a shared sense of energy and enthusiasm. Participants emphasised the importance of using this resource to drive behaviour change, improve public communication, and support practical decision-making across sectors. Ideas ranged from including a directory of stakeholders to highlighting links between AMR and wider health and sustainability issues, such as housing and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. With over 670 publications and 200 projects mapped to national priorities, the next phase will focus on finalising the database, producing a policy brief and a plain English summary which will all be available on the CREW publication page on completion. By turning data into action, this work aims to help shape Scotland’s response to antimicrobial resistance for years to come.
CREW would like to thank the research team (University of Strathclyde, Glasgow Caledonian, University of the West of Scotland, SRUC and JHI) and the Project Steering Group (SEPA and Scottish Government) for their dedication and support to the project and in addressing this important issue.
CREW DelugeAI workshop: exploring the potential of AI in flood forecasting

Setting the scene
Gaining a greater understanding of how artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning could support better prediction, communication, and management of flood risks across Scotland over the coming years is a key priority. Following a project request from SEPA, The Centre of Expertise for Waters (CREW) funded this project (DelugeAI) to conduct a rapid literature review, stakeholder engagement, and deliver a feasibility assessment and 5-year roadmap for future AI integration into flood forecasting. This workshop, which is a key milestone in the project, brings together area experts to share knowledge, identify opportunities and discuss challenges. The project is led by Chris White’s team from the University of Strathclyde.
From Continental Models to Local Insights: Advancing Hydrological Prediction in Europe with AI
The workshop kicked off with a keynote by Ilias Pechlivanidis, Lead Scientist at the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute and chair of the HEPEX initiative. Ilias discussed research on using AI to improve large-scale hydrological predictions across Europe. By combining traditional models with machine learning techniques, his team has developed hybrid approaches that better simulate river flows, including extreme events. Ilias shared his hope that in the future “no-one should be surprised by a flood”.
Understanding the use of AI for flood forecasting
Expert insights on AI applications – Lightning talks
After a short break, the second part of the workshop started with a series of three five-minute lightning talks. The first was given by Michael Butts, Lead Hydrologist at the Danish Meteorological Institute, who discussed how AI can support, but not replace, human decision making in flood warning systems. This was a sentiment echoed at multiple points throughout the workshop. By combining remote sensing, river data, and model outputs, AI could help experts interpret complex information.
Massimiliano Zappa, senior scientist at the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL) discussed his team’s work applying AI to drought forecasting. Although he expressed that AI showed promise in improving forecasts, he also stressed the importance of cautious use, transparency, and linking predictions to real-world impacts.
The final lightning talk in this session was given by Jonathan Frame, Assistant Professor at The University of Alabama. Jonathan highlighted how AI, particularly convolutional networks, can be an amazing tool for things like large-scale flood forecasting. By combining physical models with AI, researchers can reconstruct flood events even when cloud cover obscures satellite images.
Initial findings from a systematic review of flood forecasting and AI
In this section of the workshop, Vicky Martí from the DelugeAI project team presented some preliminary findings from their literature review exploring how AI is being used in flood forecasting. Her work identified growing global interest, especially since 2018, in applying AI across different stages of flood forecasting, from monitoring to emergency response. Whilst most academic research is concentrated in countries like China, the US, India, the UK and Canada there are also many practical applications in existence. These range from Google's global Flood Hub to small-scale projects such as FloodCast, FloodAI in the UK and FloodWaive from Germany. Vicky explained that AI is most commonly used to complement traditional models and support decision-making, rather than to fully replace existing forecasting systems.
Open discussion: Expert insights on AI applications
The final activity in the second workshop session was an open discussion chaired by Robert Atkinson from the project team. The expert voices in the room agreed that AI is promising, especially for speeding up forecasts, supporting decision-making, and processing large volumes of data. However, there were also concerns about over reliance on AI, lack of transparency, and the ongoing need for human expertise. Speakers stressed the importance of keeping a “human in the loop” to interpret forecasts and make informed decisions. As such, it will be important to consider having clear best practices and sensitive integration to allow trust, accountability, and effective communication. This is especially important for high stakes scenarios such as flooding.
Looking forward
Expert insights on AI applications: Lightning talks
The third and final session of the day commenced with three more five-minute lightning talks. Maria Luisa Taccari, researcher at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, discussed how deep learning offers faster, more flexible flood forecasting than traditional models, which can be expensive and find the physics too complex to simulate. Deep learning can learn from real-world data and performs well in challenging areas like Spain, which have seen extensive anthropogenic changes. Although results are promising, questions remain around predicting multiple variables, dealing with varying timescales, and applying models across different climates.
The second lightning talk was given by Steven Ramsdale, Chief Forecaster at the UK Met Office. Steven talked about using machine learning to improve severe weather warnings. By focusing on three key atmospheric parameters, their model can help identify when and where warnings may be needed. This approach keeps human expertise central to final decisions with support to highlight priority areas being provided by an AI tool.
Jan Verkade, Senior Hydrometeorologist at Deltares, gave the last lightning talk of the day and highlighted the growing pressure on flood agencies to adopt AI, but warned of a lack of clear best practices. His team is working with the forecasting community to define how AI can be responsibly integrated—considering ethics, costs, legal frameworks, and the need for human oversight.
Open discussion: Identifying realistic applications of AI in flood forecasting
Following the five-minute talks, Doug Bertram from the project team opened the floor up for another discussion session in which the expert attendees discussed the future role of AI in operational settings. Although AI offers promise in speeding up forecasts and handling large data volumes, workshop participants stressed the importance of maintaining human expertise, especially for decision-making and public trust. Key themes included the need for better data, ethical safeguards, explainability and workforce upskilling. The need for communication tools, interdisciplinary collaboration, and improved knowledge on the environmental costs of AI were also highlighted as areas for further focus. Ultimately, whilst AI can enhance forecasting, experts agreed it must complement, not replace, human judgement.
Closing Remarks
The workshop concluded with reflections from the DelugeAI team lead, Chris White, and SEPA requester, Michael Cranston (Lead Flood Forecaster). They expressed the value of bringing together experts from different fields to explore the role of AI in flood forecasting. Despite the rapid pace of AI development, participants agreed that there’s no single solution, highlighting the need for continued collaboration, shared learning, and practical experimentation. Key themes included the importance of keeping humans “in the loop” for decision-making, building trust in AI tools, and ensuring that any implementation is operationally relevant. There was strong support for focusing on low risk, quick win applications in the near future, whilst acknowledging that more strategic, long-term planning is a challenge. The need for skills development, ethical safeguards, and open communication with end users were also recurring points throughout the workshop. As the project moves forward, the team will compile insights into a report and roadmap.
CREW would like to thank the research team (University of Strathclyde) and the Project Steering Group (SEPA, Environment Agency and Scottish Government) for their dedication and support to the project and in addressing this important issue.
CREW Spring 2025 Newsletter

Welcome to our new quarterly CREW newsletter, CREW NEWS!
In this spring edition we’re reminding you of our current calls for proposals, highlighting completed projects and feeding back from our project evaluation forms. As it’s our first edition we’ve also included a refresher on ‘who we are and what we do’ and there’s a letter from our comms officer detailing some favourite moments from her first year in post.
We’d love to hear what you’d be interested in reading in future issues of CREW NEWS.
CRW2024_04 Natural Capital and River Basin Management Planning: Protecting and Improving Scotland’s Water Environment

Title: Natural Capital and River Basin Management Planning: Protecting and Improving Scotland’s Water Environment
Type of project: Capacity Building Project
Overview: This c. 9-month capacity building project will conduct an evidence synthesis to assess the current state of knowledge of how investments in protecting and improving natural capital influence the state of the water environment. The synthesis will also explore the wider benefits these investments provide for nature, climate adaptation, public health, net zero targets and agriculture.
Project Status: Project in procurement. Call closed.
Review of psychoactive substances wastewater monitoring approaches and recommendations for the feasibility of applying different approaches in Scotland

Scotland faces a critical public health crisis with one of the highest drug-related death rates in the developed world. Polysubstance use further complicates this issue, creating unpredictable health risks for users. Efforts to address this crisis include the National Drugs Mission Plan (2022–2026), which emphasizes reducing drug-related deaths through improved data collection and harm reduction strategies. The RADAR system (Rapid Action Drug Alerts and Response) plays a pivotal role in providing early warnings about emerging drug trends, such as the rise of potent synthetic opioids like nitazenes, enabling timely policy responses. However, existing approaches to monitor psychoactive substance use are limited by their time-consuming nature and inability to provide real-time data on drug consumption dynamics. Wastewater-Based Epidemiology (WWBE) offers a promising solution by analysing psychoactive substance residues in wastewater to deliver robust, dynamic, and timely insights into drug use patterns. This project explored the feasibility of leveraging Scotland’s existing wastewater monitoring infrastructure to enhance early warning systems like RADAR and support public health initiatives.
Objectives and Approach
The objectives of the project were to address the following questions:
- Which specific target substances should be monitored to address the highest public health threats for Scotland? For which are there recognised analytical strategies internationally?
- What are the characteristics of (a) existing infrastructure and (b) different analytical approaches available internationally and in Scotland for supporting the monitoring of target psychoactive substances and their metabolites?
- What are the characteristics of existing early warning reporting systems on drug use – internationally and in Scotland – that the different monitoring activities feed into?
- What are the options for monitoring and reporting of target psychoactive substances and their metabolites that are currently a) feasible and b) infeasible to do in Scotland and why, based on: - existing infrastructure for influent sampling of wastewater and its capacities - speed of turnaround to fit in with current reporting times (e.g. in RADAR updates) - availability of licenced laboratories with the appropriate skillset and technology in Scotland and the UK - restricted funding environment - capacities in relation to laboratory analysis - existing reporting systems?
- What are the potential benefits afforded by such a recommended monitoring approach to support the existing systems of early warning surveillance data to inform Public Health Scotland action and international public health organisations?
- What is the most feasible recommended approach to implement post-project (through limited trials or nationwide use of all appropriate Scottish Water sampling sites)?
Objectives were addressed through systematic literature review, evidence mapping, engagement of key stakeholders (Scottish Water, Public Health Scotland, European Drugs Agency) and experts through informal discussion, and a formal focus group.
Project Outputs
CRW2023_10 Psychoactive substances wastewater monitoring approaches - Main report and appendices
CRW2023_10 Psychoactive substances wastewater monitoring approaches - Appendix 7
CRW2023_10 Psychoactive substances wastewater monitoring approaches - Policy Brief
CRW2023_10 Psychoactive substances wastewater monitoring approaches - Project Summary
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