Title: Impact of lowland forestry on water quality (P-22)
Author: H.D. Nevson
Document Type: Monograph
Abstract:
Present public policies to encourage the planting of woodland in the lowlands of England and Wales are contemporary but inconsistent with policies designed to improve water quality in rural areas. Nevertheless, it is widely assumed that afforestation under the Set Aside scheme may result in an improvement of river water quality. The literature on the water quality effects of broadleaved forests in
the lowlands is very sparse. In the lowlands small scale, short duration ecological studies have been carried out on chemical cycling. Results from long running, highly resourced catchment
experiments abroad may be transferred only with great care, in direction of effects but not magnitude. The literature concludes that tree canopies are efficient at trapping aerosols but that mature forest soils act as huge and modulating storages of elements. The most profound stream effects are recorded after biotic deregulation of chemical cycles. Even so, there is inherent resistance and resilience in the system under forests and good management can promote both. Sediment yields under forestry are potentially high, again management is all important. Recent and ongoing research specific to lowland England and Wales is likely to be inadequate as a working base for NRA policy. Recommendations are given for research including identification of policy options open to NRA and on decision support systems for policy
intervention.
Publisher: National Rivers Authority
Publication Date: 1990
Publication Place: Bristol
Subject Keywords: National Rivers Authority; Rivers; Water management; Water quality; European Commission; Policies; Land use
Geographic Keywords: England; Wales
Extent: 60; + appendices
Permalink: http://www.environmentdata.org/archive/ealit:4009
Total file downloads: 316
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