Catchment Management

CREW Autumn 2026 Newsletter

💧 The Autumn Edition of CREW NEWS is now available! 🍂

From understanding the impacts of drought on Scotland's rivers to planning for future water demand, our latest newsletter highlights the research, events and collaborations helping to inform Scotland's water policy and practice.

In this edition:

🦠 New research exploring how modelling can help identify sources of faecal pollution in Scotland's waters

🌿 Expert discussions on the ecological impacts of drought and freshwater recovery

Future Water Challenges in Scotland: Preparing for Change

How might Scotland’s supply and demand for water change over the coming decades, and what can we do to prepare now?

How CREW is Preparing Scotland for a Future of Water Scarcity

The recent spell of dry weather across Scotland and the rest of the UK, accompanied by periods of high temperatures, has brought water scarcity into sharp focus. However, water scarcity is not limited to hot weather and can occur at any time of year during periods of low rainfall. While periods of low rainfall are nothing new, climate projections suggest they are likely to become more frequent, longer lasting and more severe, placing increasing pressure on water resources, businesses and the natural environment.

Water Scarcity in Scotland: Future Impact for Distilleries and Agriculture

A recent CREW project led by The James Hutton Institute, in collaboration with Scotland’s Rural College, the University of Aberdeen, and the British Geological Survey, highlighted a pressing issue for Scotland: the increasing likelihood and duration of water scarcity events due to climate change. This project, focused on the impact of these changes on three critical sectors—crop production, livestock farming, and distilleries.

Water, Wastewater & Drainage Policy Consultation

Scottish Government's Water, wastewater & drainage policy consultation is open until 21st February 2024.

Tackling water & environment challenges is a win-win

There is no escaping the fact that we are facing serious global challenges when it comes to water. Growing populations, climate-change driven extreme weather events that result in shocks to our natural and built environment, depleted groundwater supplies, pollution from agriculture, industry and sewage… the list goes on.

The benefits beavers may bring to Scottish rivers, streams and water resources

Beavers are well known for their ability to transform the environment through dam building and other activities. This CREW report, based on evidence from 120 studies of beaver populations worldwide, provides an evidence review of the role of beavers in modifying physical processes, and the potential benefits they may bring for Scottish rivers, streams and water resources. Beavers could make important contributions to improving the condition of Scotland’s rivers, helping to improve water supply and quality as well as creating habitat, sequestering carbon and restoring rivers.