Floodplain forest habitats, which are amongst the richest ecological systems, have almost disappeared from Britain and survive in very few parts of Scotland. This project has assisted in the restoration of floodplain woodland and other wetland habitats along a 5km stretch of the Ettrick and Tima Waters, the best example of surviving flood plain in the south of Scotland. Areas of high conservation value have been brought into management and linked together along the river. This has included felling of conifer plantations, planting of appropriate woodland types, control of grazing and hay cutting and blocking drainage channels. Work was carried out in partnership with nine private landowners and Forest Enterprise ensuring involvement across the community and there is potential to expand this work in future years along the river system. Public access has been improved with the construction of 2 new car parks and a bridge; these serve a network of new and upgraded paths and boardwalks linking with Forest Enterprise land on the southern side of the project. Continued careful monitoring of any habitat changes will provide information of benefit to other floodplain restoration schemes.

(Click map to enlarge)