The document outlines the management and ecological status of the Tweed catchment area, highlighting various pressures affecting water quality, habitats, and species conservation. It addresses issues from diffuse and point source pollution, along with the regulation of water resources, while emphasizing the importance of sustainable flood management and balancing tourism with conservation efforts. The Tweed Forum aims to promote integrated management and planning for the sustainable use of the catchment's resources.

1. THE TWEED CATCHMENTNicola BissettCatchment Management Planning Officer

5. WEATHER

6. DEMOGRAPHYDispersed populationMain urban centres around central Tweed

7. EMPLOYMENTPlease note – these figures for Scottish Borders only

9. COURTESY OF SEPA (2009)

10. WFD ECOLOGICAL STATUSOverall 2008 RBMP classification status

11. RBMP PRESSURESMain pressures causing failures are Morphological alterations due to public water interests and rural land uses (around 50 water bodies affected)Diffuse pollution from rural sources (around 50 water bodies affected)Abstraction and flow regulation (around 40 water bodies affected; both public water interests and rural land uses)Point source pollution (14 water bodies on Scottish side)Alien species (2 water bodies in Scottish side)

12. TWEED FORUM “to promote the wise and sustainable use of the whole Tweed catchment through holistic and integrated management and planning”

14. WATER QUALITYPressuresDiffuse pollution Point pollutionRegulation by SEPA and EABUT stillCross border issues“diffuse” nature of diffuse pollution

15. WATER RESOURCESSeveral reservoirs in catchmentPressuresabstractionAgriculturePublic water supplyReservoir release regimesnow regulated by SEPA and EABUT still crossborder issues

16. HABITATS AND SPECIESConservation designationsSACSSSIOther local designationsWetlandsSPARAMSARGenerally “favourable condition”

18. HABITATS AND SPECIESPressuresInvasive speciesLoss of key habitatswetlands, blanket bog, raised bogs, wet woodlands, riparian woodlands and pondsInsufficient baseline data

19. RIVERWORKS Bank erosion measures, gravel management, flood alleviation, bridge protection and instream habitat improvementsNow regulated by SEPA and EABUT still cross border issues educating public and practitioners

20. FLOOD MANAGEMENT9% of catchment at risk from floodingPressuresDevelopment on floodplainLack of catchment wide approach to FM issuesImpact of landuse changeFloods DirectiveNeed to explore Sustainable FM

21. TOURISM & RECREATIONsalmon fishery £18 million to local economyoutdoor pursuitscycling, mountain biking, canoeing, walking, horse riding heritage sites botanic gardens, castles and abbeysBalancing T&R with conservation needs

24. MAIN ROLES OF TWEED FORUMFacilitating and EnablingSeizing OpportunitiesFilling GapsCommunicating