Forests and woodlands can deliver benefits for the water environment.
These benefits include:
- protecting aquatic habitats and species
- filtering pollutants to protect water quality
- slowing flows to improve flood risk
- guarding against soil erosion and sedimentation
The water environment also requires protection from forestry activities. Well planned, designed and managed forests and woodlands are essential to safeguard the water environment.
Scotland’s water environment is protected by legislation to which everyone must adhere. The UK Forestry Standard’s Forests and Water chapter explains the benefits and possible impacts of forestry on the water environment.
It is aligned, and in some cases, beyond water legal requirements.
The UK Forestry Standard, 5th edition
Current water legislation and the UKFS ensure that any potential impacts on the water environment are mitigated or minimised to an acceptable level.
