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18th June 2025

Valuing Nature: How Cost-Benefit Analysis is Helping Shape Scotland’s Water and Soil Policy

Valuing Nature: How Cost-Benefit Analysis is Helping Shape Scotland’s Water and Soil Policy, with logos for CREW, SRUC, University of Aberdeen, The James Hutton Institute, cbec eco engineering, University of Glasgow, Scottish Government

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.

Cost-benefit analysis is used to evaluate the advantages (benefits) and disadvantages (costs) of different decisions or interventions. When applied to environmental issues, cost-benefit analysis can help identify solutions that provide the greatest good whilst ensuring resources are used wisely.

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

Flooded river alongside the Deeside in Aberdeenshire. Photo Credit - Rachel Helliwell

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.

 

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28th May 2025

Understanding Scotland’s Role in Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance

Project title with University of Strathclyde, GCU, UWS, SRUC and JHI logos.

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.

 

 

13th May 2025

CREW DelugeAI workshop: exploring the potential of AI in flood forecasting

Project title with University of Strathclyde, CREW and SEPA logos displayed below. An image of a flooded river flowing past buildings is to the right of the text.

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 NEWS Spring 2025 front cover picture of daffodil

 

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

River Dee with a tree line either side. A hill can be seen in the background. Photo credit: Rachel Helliwell

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.

 

 

 

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1st April 2025

Review of psychoactive substances wastewater monitoring approaches and recommendations for the feasibility of applying different approaches in Scotland

Winchburgh Waste Water Treatment Works - Photo Credit: Andrew Tyler

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:

  1. Which specific target substances should be monitored to address the highest public health threats for Scotland? For which are there recognised analytical strategies internationally?
  2. 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?
  3. What are the characteristics of existing early warning reporting systems on drug use – internationally and in Scotland – that the different monitoring activities feed into?
  4. 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?
  5. 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?
  6. 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

 
19th March 2025

Review of monitoring approaches to deliver healthy ecosystems for Scotland's protected fresh waters and wetlands

Wetlands_open_water_photograph_courtesy of Sarah Haliday

NatureScot is committed to reversing the decline in freshwater biodiversity by protecting and improving ecosystem health in protected areas. This effort aligns with Scotland’s goal to safeguard 30% of its land and sea by 2030. This project makes recommendations on a monitoring framework that would inform management decisions to deliver healthy ecosystems. To achieve this, monitoring efforts must shift toward a broader landscape or catchment-scale approach, providing a more comprehensive understanding of freshwater and wetland ecosystems.


The project recommends developing a multi-index ecosystem assessment framework that will:

  •  Use indicators of pressures, physicochemical state and biological impact to assess ecosystem health.
  •  Help decision-makers allocate monitoring resources appropriately to inform the delivery of healthy ecosystems.
  •  Facilitate data sharing and inter-organisational collaboration to create practical conservation strategies.

The project found that to support this transition, NatureScot can leverage existing tools while exploring new, innovative approaches. The key steps in this transition include:

  1.   Working with monitoring partners to assess the availability, format, and accessibility of existing healthy ecosystem indicator data.
  2.   Building the necessary skills to collate, interpret and apply a wider ecosystems dataset.
  3.   Developing a data integration approach that will synthesis ecosystem data across a range of data types and scales.
  4.   Evaluating the policy, resource, and legislative implications of a new monitoring approach.

Project outputs

CRW2024_07 Economic, societal and public health benefits of improving water quality at designated bathing waters to a good or excellent standard in Scotland: Literature review

Wild_swimming_at_beach

Type of project: Capacity Building

Project status: Project in procurement. Call closed.

Overview: This project aims to provide information on the benefits to the economy, society and public health to improving bathing water quality in Scotland, and the approaches, investment levels, ambition, achievements in other parts of the UK. This information will support the development of a framework approach to understanding and calculating the benefits of improving bathing water quality in Scotland, with an indicative way of calculating these benefits which can be applied to individual sites.

 

 

 

 

The key questions to be addressed, via review of academic and grey literature, are:

  • What factors should be considered when assessing the economic, societal and public health benefits of improving bathing water quality from sufficient to good or excellent?
  • What approaches, investment levels, ambition and achievements have been set/achieved in other parts of the UK and EU of improving bathing water quality beyond the sufficient classification, with values where possible, and who set these (Government, Local Authorities Water Companies or other bodies)?
  • What cost benefit analysis, or other method of assessing proportional cost, has been used for any decisions worldwide on water quality improvements to support recreational water use?
Contact CREW Staff

CRW2024_06 Transitioning surface water collection to surface water reuse systems

Urban_stormwater_Leith_photograph_courtesy_Maureen_Whalen

Type: Capacity Building

Project Status: Project in procurement. Call closed.

Overview: This Capacity Building project aims to explore the emerging area of interest in surface water reuse before the next regulatory planning period (April 2027-March 2033) and demonstrate clear policy/strategic alignment. The project will focus on non-potable uses, such as non-food agriculture, car washing, and cooling systems, which are less regulated, but may still require adherence to local planning and environmental legislation.

 

 

 

 

 

Careful consideration will therefore be given to:

  • Where water is captured from, given that rainwater from roofs generally contains a lower pollutant load than surface water from roads, for example.
  • What untreated surface water can be used for, within current legislation.
  • Feasibility of minor treatment/settlement/screening of surface water to allow captured water to be reused more widely.
  • Which legislations exist regarding the reuse of grey water for non-potable uses.

 

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