Reservoir Management
Reservoirs will need to be managed for more variable and seasonal rainfall – wetter winters and drier summers – increased intensity of rainfall affecting water quality, and potential for less snow cover reducing spring peak river flows. Maintenance of impoundments and catchment land use can regulate water supply, reduce flood risk, and ensure water quality.
More infoSeasonal Tourism
Warmer and drier conditions could lengthen and improve the summer tourist season, although weather will remain unpredictable. There is an opportunity to diversify tourism, taking advantage of outdoor activities like mountain biking. However, less reliable winter snow season could be challenging for year-round tourism in some locations with snow sports.
More infoDiversify Grouse Moors
Intensive grouse moor management leaves land vulnerable to increased risk from wildfire and erosion. Red grouse are more susceptible to ticks and diseases. Diversifying moors to promote a mosaic of habitats may reduce these risks, increase habitat diversity, while still providing for sport shooting.
More infoSustainable Tourism
There is an opportunity to build on tourism that is sustainable and works to enhance the natural environment. This encourages visitors and locals alike to enjoy outdoor activities. Derelict buildings can be repurposed for economic purposes like hospitality, bike hire and accommodation.
More infoLocal Energy
Severe weather can disrupt energy supply to local communities and business. Developing local community energy and heat generation, like a biomass boiler using distillery and forestry bi-products, can diversify supply and increase local resilience.
More infoResilient Buildings
Buildings and their surroundings can be damaged by severe weather like high winds and heavy rainfall, as well as water penetration during prolonged wet intervals causing damp, mould and condensation. Maintenance is important to ensure weather resistance and ventilation. Green roofs and permeable surfaces can reduce localised flooding.
More infoDistillery
Distilleries will need to plan for less reliable water supply, overheating in summer and increased flood risk. This can be achieved through increasing ventilation and water efficiency – as well as implementing a strategy to minimise environmental impact.
More infoConnected Habitats
Some species will need to move to remain in their preferred climate space. Fragmented habitat can make this difficult. Expanding woodlands and building a green bridge over the carriageway can improve connections between habitats.
More infoFish
Increasing water temperature and low water levels in rivers will have a detrimental impact on fish health. Expanding riparian vegetation on river banks can provide shade and restore watercourses in degraded areas, creating pool-riffle river beds, with deeper water and areas suitable for spawning.
More infoRoadside Swales
Heavy rainfall is expected to increase. Roadside swales and other features can manage surface water on roads and runoff onto adjacent land. This can reduce disruption from flooding and improve the quality of water entering the surrounding environment.
More infoRestore Peat Bogs
Blanket peat bog is at risk of drying out and wildfires due to rising temperatures and reduced summer rainfall. Restoring blanket peat bog – for example by blocking ditches to raise the water table – can help the bog function by retaining water. This also reduces downstream flood risk during wet periods and can improve water quality.
More infoBreeding Habitats
The water’s edge nests of species like red- and black-throated divers can be vulnerable to flooding and fluctuating water levels, as well as predators. Floating rafts have been successful in providing less vulnerable nesting sites. Bird hides also provide tourism opportunities.
More infoMixed-Species Forest
Single-species, even-aged forests are more vulnerable to changes in climate and the spread of pests and disease. Introducing a mix of species and making use of systems like continuous cover forestry can increase forest resilience. This will also benefit biodiversity, improve the landscape and reduce catchment flood risk.
More infoDeer
Deer health can be impacted by wet conditions, the spread of disease and inappropriate numbers - which can also reduce plant diversity. Red deer are naturally a forest-edge species, so expanding forest habitat could benefit their health, where grazing, trampling and browsing effects are managed to allow forest regeneration.
More infoFarming
Warmer conditions can make marginal land more viable for farming, although heavy rainfall increasing soil erosion and unpredictable weather will be challenging. Farming can diversify with low density cattle grazing on the hills and fodder crops on better land. Lowering sheep numbers can reduce erosion on slopes and benefit wildlife.
More infoShelter
An increase in tree cover and shelterbelts can provide better shelter for livestock during extreme weather conditions, connect woodland networks, host biodiversity and provide a source of fuel for the farm.
More infoLandslides
An increase in prolonged periods of heavy rainfall can lead to more landslides that disrupt transport routes and other infrastructure. Slope management and reinforcement, through engineered works or tree planting, can protect important infrastructure, minimising damage and disruption.
More infoRestore Wet Woodlands
Wet deciduous woodlands are important habitats that need to be encouraged to expand on poorly-drained floodplains. Active management can contribute to flood water storage and provide shade during hot conditions.
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