Nature-based solutions for flow reduction in catchment headwaters

Abstract

The headwaters of many European catchments are steeply sloping with higher and or intense regional precipitation. These headwaters traverse climatic, and geomorphic gradients that connect downstream to larger fluvial systems. European legislation advocates a more sustainable and integrated catchment-scale approach for flood mitigation, whilst providing wider ecosystem services. While there is significant potential for flood water attenuation in the upstream (hinterland) area of catchments, a single approach cannot be advocated because of the inherent geographic heterogeneities, both within and between catchments and the various land uses by private landowners. The hydrological impacts o implementing nature-based flood retention measures in catchment headwaters has not received sufficient attention. In particular issues related to system connectivity at a range of scales are not adequately understood. In this chapter we will provide a review of recent scientific knowledge on nature-based solutions in catchment headwaters of European river systems, highlighting the remaining knowledge gaps.