Riverwoods Appeal Booklet

CREATING A NETWORK OF RIVERBANK WOODLANDS AND HEALTHY RIVER SYSTEMS ACROSS SCOTLAND

RIVERWOODS: OUR STORY

Scotland’s waterways stretch over 125,000 kms - that’s more than 12 times the length of our mainland coastline. From bubbling highland burns, to meandering lowland rivers, far more goes on beneath the surface of these unique ecosystems than meets the eye. River woodlands, also known as riparian woodlands, grow alongside our rivers, burns and lochs. These biologically rich areas link land to water, and are the cornerstone in protecting our waterways and local communities alike.

Acting as the “green arteries” of our ecosystem, river woodlands support thousands of plants, invertebrates and mammals, and provide us with a host of benefits. But after years of neglect, these woodlands are at great risk.

In recognition of this, Riverwoods was created - a partnership of 22 environmental charities, river fisheries trusts, statutory agencies and research institutes. The Riverwoods initiative aspires to grow and restore healthy riparian woodlands and resilient river systems across Scotland.

Riverwoods was inspired by the vision of a more sustainable Scotland. Where healthy waterways are abundant, and native species thrive. A space where people can connect with nature in an environment which purifies our water, conserves biodiversity and protects us from climate change. Agricultural intensification, increased urban development and improper afforestation have all contributed to river woodland decline. Combined, these issues have eroded woodlands’ natural ability to mitigate against flood

risk, capture carbon and provide havens for wildlife. If we don’t undo the damage already done, the impact could be catastrophic.

Native species such as otters and ospreys, as well as multiple Priority Species within the UK Biodiversity Framework, including freshwater pearl mussel and Atlantic salmon, all rely on healthy river woodlands and waterways.

If we take action now to protect river woodlands, we can help wildlife and people across Scotland.

HEALTHY RIVERBANKS PROVIDE COUNTLESS BENEFITS FOR FREE - WHICH COULD OTHERWISE COST THE UK MILLIONS OF POUNDS EVERY YEAR.

CONSERVE BIODIVERSITY

Varied light conditions from overhanging branches allow plants to thrive and provide food for invertebrates. In turn, these become vital sustenance for fish, birds, bats and other mammals.

ALLEVIATE FLOOD RISK

Trees stabilise riverbanks, reducing soil erosion. Fallen trunks and branches can slow the flow of water, reducing the impact of floods.

LESSEN DROUGHT IMPACT

Tree roots transport water up from lower, wet, layers to upper, dry, layers of soil. They also store water, acting as reservoirs, which can help during prolonged dry spells.

PROTECT

POLLINATORS

Trees provide food and shelter to pollinators such as bees, dragonflies and butterflies.

STORE CARBON

River woodlands store a substantial amount of carbon, contributing to Scotland’s goal of Net Zero by 2045.

NURTURE WELLBEING

Nature helps our mental and physical health. Healthy woodlands can help reduce stress and strengthen immune systems.

PURIFY WATER

Riparian woodlands act as filters, reducing the amount of pollution which enters water courses.

PROTECT AQUATIC WILDLIFE

Tree canopies nourish aquatic life and cool waterways. This helps wild fish such as salmon and trout thrive.

AN IMPACT FELT FOR GENERATIONS

Riverwoods will create a robust network of healthy, waterways and river corridors across Scotland. Our current focus is to garner a blueprint for the practical delivery of river woodland creation and restoration including:

• Creation and restoration of over 100 Ha of exemplar river woodland in three distinct river catchments.

• Engagement programmes created to enable people to become citizen scientists, advocates for conservation and active participants in restoration efforts.

• The creation of a Digital Centre of Excellence, a platform for best practice guidance, expert knowledge and data sharing.

• The launch of a grants scheme to enable not-for-profits across Scotland to develop high integrity woodland planting plans.

KYLE OF SUTHERLAND

Home to the most northerly remnants of ancient Caledonian pinewood forest

TWEED

One of the most important salmon habitats in Britain

SPEY

The second longest Scottish river, traversing forestry, farming and sporting estates.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

The Scottish Wildlife Trust and our supporters have been at the forefront of nature conservation for over 60 years. With your help, we can continue to be there for nature for another 60 years and beyond.

But to achieve this, we need your support.

With global focus on the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, there has never been a more urgent time to restore and protect our vulnerable riparian ecosystems.

Riverwoods seeks to bring together a coalition of like-minded individuals and organisations to ensure riverbank woodlands continue to protect people and wildlife for generations to come.

Will you support Riverwoods and help shape the future for Scotland’s riparian woodlands?

Please donate to Riverwoods today by visiting scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/riverwoods, or call us on 0131 312 4700, and help protect the future of Scotland’s river woodlands.

scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/riverwoods

The Riverwoods Blueprint is being developed in partnership with Fisheries Management Scotland, Kyle of Sutherland Fisheries Trust, Spey Catchment Initiative, Tweed Forum and Involve, and supported by the Riverwoods initiative

The Scottish Wildlife Trust, a Scottish registered charity (charity number SC005792) and company limited by guarantee and registered in Scotland (registered number SC040247).

Registered office: Harbourside House, 110 Commercial Street, Edinburgh EH6 6NF