Study puts value on Scotland’s trees that prevent flooding

Riverbank footpath covered in snow edged by denuded trees
Susan Thomson

A  “cutting edge” study published today has put an economic value on Scotland’s woodlands in helping to prevent flooding.

It estimates that the capacity of woodlands to store water and slow down run-off to downstream communities after heavy rain, is worth almost £100 million a year in Scotland.

With the prospect of wetter winters due to the effects of climate change, and more intense rainfall in summer, the ability of trees to reduce flood risk is becoming increasingly important. 

More information here