This POSTnote explores the benefits and challenges of implementing nature based flood and drought resilience at a catchment scale. Prof Trevor Hoey was one of the contributors, providing input on assessing the effectiveness of these measures.
The Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology produces briefings, reports, papers and events that draw on the expertise from multiple experts across the field to provide reliable and impartial research evidence for the UK Parliament.
This POSTnote explored the following nature based solutions for water management:
- peatland restoration
- wetland restoration
- tree planting
- land and soil management
- flood storage areas (field corner bunds)
- floodplain reconnection
Contributors to the POSTnote highlighted benefits including:
- Slowing surface runoff
- Enhancing water absorption by the soil
- Increasing natural water storage
- Helping to reduce peak river flows
However, they also noted that such solutions may have varying levels of effectiveness and difficulty to implement. They also often have to overcome competing land use requirements, funding requirements and some public opinion barriers. Effective monitoring is therefore crucial.
See the full POSTnote here (published by POST on 1st May 2026)