An 80-hectare (ha) native woodland creation scheme at Talla Reservoir in the Borders is being planned to protect the source water quality for thousands of customers in Edinburgh in the face of climate change.

In order to carry out the scheme, Scottish Water has for the first time made a 300-ha strategic land purchase aimed at securing the water quality of the catchment well into the future.

The ‘Water Woods’ project will see thousands of native broadleaves such as aspen, rowan, oak, alder and downy birch planted at the site towards the south eastern end of the reservoir, as well as work to enrich existing woodland above the northern shore and to plant montane woodland at higher altitudes.

The aim is to help stabilise the soil surrounding the reservoir so that less organic matter is washed into the water during periods of extreme rainfall which are increasing in frequency due to climate change. This will make the treatment process simpler and less energy intensive.

The trees will also provide an element of resilience against drought by holding more water in the ground, which is then slowly released into the reservoir.

A total of 55 hectares of the scheme will be made up of montane woodland, making it one of the largest montane schemes in the Southern Uplands. The important habitat has almost vanished in Scotland due to grazing by red deer and sheep and will have a positive impact on biodiversity in the area.

Net Zero General Manager at Scottish Water Elise Cartmell said:

“This is a significant woodland creation project which marks a strategic approach to creating water sources that are resilient to the impacts of climate change.

“By purchasing this key area of land surrounding the reservoir and planting native woodland, we can help limit the amount of organic matter being washed into the reservoir during extreme rainfall and ensure we continue to produce high quality drinking water for our customers in Edinburgh.”

Scottish Water woodland creation programme manager Stephen Garbett added:

“The work we are planning for this area builds on the back of other local schemes such as the one to the west of the reservoir led by the Borders Forest Trust – this allows us to link up habitats and create wildlife corridors, which has significant benefits for biodiversity.

“The scheme would also give a very substantial boost to montane woodland in the Borders. These are the smaller species of trees and shrubs that thrive in higher altitudes at the tops of mountains and support a range of plants and invertebrates, as well as providing foraging opportunities for birds and mammals.”