The objective of this study was to identify priority areas for woodland creation and the improved management of existing woodlands to reduce downstream flood risk and help restore damaged waters.

A wide range of spatial datasets were accessed from partners, particularly SEPA, and used to generate a large number of maps and supporting GIS shapefiles showing priority areas for planting. The results provide a strong basis for developing and refining regional strategies, initiatives and plans to deliver new woodlands where they can best contribute to flood risk management (FRM) and Water Framework Directive (WFD) targets, in addition to generating many other benefits for society. Woodland creation, however, is not without risks and care will be required in site selection to ensure that planting does not increase flood risk by synchronising, rather than desynchronising downstream flood flows.