Afforestation and sediment yields in British fresh waters

Abstract

Abstract. This paper reviews research on sediment yields in British fresh waters affected by afforestation in their catchments. Soil erosion and sedimentation in fresh waters increase after afforestation in the uplands. In the long term a three‐to tour‐fold increase appears to be common in established upland forests, but much larger increases, some amounting to 50 times that before afforestation, have been recorded soon after ploughing, draining, roadmaking and harvesting. Some of the erosion has been exacerbated by environmental conditions such as steep slopes and storms. Improved silvicultural practices should reduce sediment output to fresh waters, but they might not prevent serious sedimentation following afforestation in the uplands. In contrast, afforestation of arable land under the Farm Woodland Scheme should result in decreased rates of erosion in the lowlands.