Experts from across the UK recently came together to share knowledge and evidence on a growing environmental challenge: understanding how prolonged drought affects Scotland’s freshwater ecosystems and how they recover when flows return.
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.
💧 The Summer Edition of CREW News is now available ☀️
From climate change, flooding and mental health, to valuing the benefits of protecting and improving Scotland’s water environment, the latest edition of the CREW newsletter highlights recent projects, opportunities and events supporting water policy and practice across Scotland.
In this edition:
A CREW project is calling for natural capital to be placed at the heart of River Basin Management Planning (RBMP) in Scotland, helping to better connect water management with climate resilience, biodiversity recovery, public health and sustainable land use.
CREW, in partnership with ClimateXChange, hosted an event on the 2nd June, bringing together researchers, policymakers, practitioners and third sector organisations to explore the growing impacts of climate change, including flooding, on mental health and wellbeing.
Scotland faces growing and complex risks from climate-related flooding, which is increasingly recognised as a significant public health challenge. Beyond physical damage, flooding has long-lasting impacts on mental health and wellbeing, affecting individuals, communities, and local services. These impacts can persist well beyond the immediate event, exacerbating existing inequalities and placing additional pressure on health and social care systems.
Flooding in Scotland is increasing, yet many people are unaware of their risk, and few have taken steps to protect their homes. This project therefore co‑designed a new resource that enables households to create a bespoke flood action plan.
Welcome to the spring edition of our quarterly newsletter, CREW NEWS! In this edition we reflect on the launch of Planning for Water Scarcity: Practical Guidance for Scottish Farmers and Growers, share a new call for proposals and hear from our Project Manager, Aniska Cameron.
We'd love to hear what you'd be interested in reading in future issues of CREW NEWS.
Scotland is globally renowned for its natural resources like clean rivers, rich wildlife, heather moorlands and fresh air. Protecting, enhancing and restoring these resources provides us with many benefits and is essential to safeguard our future environment, wellbeing and the economy. River Basin Management Planning (RBMP) provides a framework to reduce pressures on Scotland’s water environment and protect and enhance the benefits that our rivers, lochs, wetlands and groundwaters provide.
Type of project: Capacity Building Project
Overview: CREW invites proposals for a c.7.5 month Capacity Building project to provide a national assessment of future socio-economic demands on Scotland’s water resources, identifying key drivers and patterns.
Budget: Funding available £115,000 exclusive of VAT (where applicable).
Call dates: Call closed.