Expert view: Harnessing Nature Based Solutions to maximise environmental benefits

It is widely acknowledged that rapid urbanisation, coupled with ageing infrastructure and instances of inefficient land management, has caused UK water and land quality to diminish over the last few decades. Meanwhile, the rising threat of the climate emergency is bringing an increased frequency and severity of storms, floods, droughts and heatwaves, negatively impacting our livelihoods and homes.

To learn more about why greater emphasis is now being placed on the Nature Based Solutions (NBS), we caught up with our UK Water Lead, Rob Forsyth .

NBS have been around since the dawn of time with reedbeds and other riverside flora and natural features providing flood control among other benefits, but the conscious incorporation of these into our modern urban and natural environment is still emerging. We know healthy aquatic environments are natural heat absorbers; they also improve water quality and are a key ingredient of a balanced ecosystem and environment, benefiting our landscape and promoting biodiversity. So, as we seek to strengthen the climate resilience of our built environment, it’s no wonder that we are increasingly looking to nature to provide both inspiration and solutions.

When considering water management, NBS are measures which harness the power of nature through plants and the creation/management of specific ecosystems to reduce the impacts of flooding, whilst providing secondary benefits through the creation of vital habitat and acting as a carbon dioxide sink. At many development sites, NBS are integrated via SuDS features such as swales, drainage areas or ponds and are often paired with carefully selected planting regimes.

These systems bring a wide range of benefits, including:

1. Biodiversity, ecology and habitat

NBS such as green spaces, urban forests or wetlands all promote a rich ecosystem which enables plants, animals, micro-organisms, and fungi to thrive, whilst also boosting air and water quality.

2. Water and flood management

The implementation of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) like green roofs, permeable pavements, and bioretention systems can reduce flash flooding, minimise prolonged flood events, and improve our water and land quality.

3. Climate change mitigation and adaptation

Natural ecosystems like forests and wetlands are vital in mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon. They also enhance the local area’s resilience to the impacts of climate change by providing a buffer against extreme weather events such as storms, heatwaves, and drought. Integrating green and blue infrastructure within towns and cities can create more sustainable and resilient urban environments. Countries such as the Netherlands or Thailand, who have been living with and managing water successfully and naturally for generations, give us great examples of successful NBS integration.

4. Urban heat island effect

NBS such as SuDS can play a significant role in reducing the urban heat island effect. Research has shown that vegetated areas help regulate temperatures, reducing heat stress, and can even lower energy consumption for cooling our urban environment.

5. Mental health and wellbeing

Access to green spaces and the natural environment is associated with reduced stress levels, improved mood, and increased physical activity. Integrating NBS within developments provides green spaces for local communities, and boosts wellbeing.

6. Economic benefits

NBS can provide cost-effective alternatives to traditional grey infrastructure. Research has demonstrated that investing in green and blue infrastructure can yield substantial long-term economic benefits, including reduced maintenance costs, increased property values, and improved public health outcomes.

To find out more about Nature Based Solutions and learn how our specialists can integrate them within your upcoming development, get in touch with Rob Forsyth .

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