Abstract

The National Forest Estate in Scotland has a wide range of geotechnical hazards present, primarily landslides, which may cause a significant risk to people and key infrastructure. UK land owners are increasingly required to understand the risks associated with their land and how their activities may affect landsliding and, in particular, where landslides originating from their land may impact third party assets. A Geographic Information System (GIS) based landslide susceptibility assessment by the British Geological Survey (BGS) identified a number of sites in the National Forest Estate as being susceptible to landslide hazards. Coffey Geotechnics Ltd and the BGS are currently undertaking “ground- truthing” of selected sites to identify and characterise the hazards, pathways and elements at risk. A “Slope Stability Appraisal of Risk” system was used to assign a risk category to areas identified during the “ground-truthing” phase which need to be managed. This system is based on the combination of hazards, receptor type, vulnerability and pathway in a similar manner to that of the Australian Geomechanics Society. A long term strategy for risk management of unstable slopes is under development by Forestry Commission Scotland to provide strategic guidance on future land management and guidance for existing felled sites. Options for risk management include: maintenance of existing systems i.e. drainage; silviculture where establishment of woodland can assist in slope stabilisation; and engineering works such as barrier systems, retaining structures and rock remedial works.

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