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infiltration of water sheeting off grazed pasture disappeared into the soil when it
passed into recently planted shelterbelts (Carroll et al., 2004). Infiltration increased
dramatically under 6- to 8-year-old trees but there seemed to be an effect even under
2-year-old trees which could be due to the effect of tree roots and soil animal activity
and also reduced grazing pressure. Replicated experiments have been set up to
examine the effect in greater details.
Broadmeadow and Nisbet (2005) have shown how the width of the buffer, the structure
of the vegetation and species choice can be manipulated to maximise this benefit.
Another example is the use of woodland to protect erosion prone soils and control
sediment losses. A guide has been produced based on studies at Bassenthwaite
in the Lake District, which describes a catchment approach that is being used by
a partnership of organisations to control sediment inputs to the lake (Nisbet et al.,
2004).
NEXT STEPS
Waterbodies categorised as Category 1b are the focus of more detailed assessments
to determine whether or not they are actually at significant risk. The Forestry
Commission has participated in the SEPA project to develop a screening tool to
identify and characterise diffuse pollution pressures.
Attention will focus on the rivers and lochs where forestry has been identified as a
factor in placing these water bodies at risk. Forest design and management practices
will be assessed to ensure that the Guideline measures are appropriate and sufficient
to minimise any threat.
Effort will also be given to exploring how forestry could be better integrated with
farming to benefit water quality and ecology. There are clear opportunities for
developing win-win solutions using woodland to help reduce both diffuse pollution
and the generation of flood flows, as well as providing a range of nature conservation,
recreation and landscape benefits.
In parallel, research continues to test the Guidelines in practice and assess the effect
of new developments, such as continuous cover forestry, short rotation forestry and
urban woodlands. Climate change is another important area of work, which has the
potential to affect most forest and water issues. One example of current research
is a study in the New Forest of the role of riparian woodland shade in controlling
summer maximum stream temperatures. The Forestry Commission will continue to
review and update the Guidelines to ensure that they reflect the most recent research
and experience. This will help to ensure that the forestry sector makes a positive
contribution to safeguarding the sustainable use of the UK’s water resources.
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