Dingwall flooding alleviation trailblazer on River Peffery ‘a significant step forward’
A ROSS-SHIRE river woodland restoration project started in response to significant flooding in Dingwall has been highlighted as “a significant step forward”.
The River Peffery headwater seed islands project is one of three ‘shovel-ready’ river woodland planting projects completed as part of the development phase of the Riverwoods Blueprint Project.
That is led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The funding was awarded to projects along the River Peffrey, River Spey and River Oykel.
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Each, according to the charity, exemplifies innovative river woodland restoration techniques across a variety of landscapes and ownership models, including private and public lands as well as forestry and agricultural settings.
In response to significant flooding in Dingwall, Lockett Agri-Environmental initiated a forward-thinking catchment scale restoration project, using nature-based solutions to reduce flood risks and enhance local ecosystems.
The River Peffery headwater seed islands initiative is a key component of this expansive project. Set to transform two kilometres of riparian zones adjacent to conifer plantation, the initiative sees Forestry and Land Scotland deliver work on land that they manage to plant trees within and outside of fenced enclosures.
This novel approach will allow effective evaluation of the impact of herbivores on tree survival and the potential for natural regeneration. Despite the low deer population in the area, the absence of a native seed source has historically hindered natural regeneration. This project represents a significant step forward in addressing these challenges.
Richard Lockett, from Lockett Agri-Environmental, shared his vision for the project: "The upper stretches of the River Peffery are critically devoid of native riparian woodland, a condition we are determined to reverse. By introducing a diverse array of tree species along the riverbanks, we aim to jumpstart the natural regeneration process."
