WWNP Wider Catchment Woodland Potential

This dataset has been produced as part of the Mapping Potential for Working with Natural Processes research project (SC150005). The project created a toolbox of mapped data and methods which enable operational staff in England to identify potential locations for Working with Natural Processes (WWNP). Data has been produced for each intervention covered by the project. The final outputs include the following datasets: • Floodplain Woodland Planting Potential • Riparian Woodland Planting Potential • Wider Catchment Woodland • Floodplain Reconnection Potential • Runoff Attenuation Features 3.3% AEP • Runoff Attenuation Features 1% AEP • Woodland Constraints WWNP Wider Catchment Woodland Potential is our best estimate of locations where there are slowly permeable soils, where scrub and tree planting may be most effective to increase infiltration and hydrological losses. The dataset is designed to support signposting of areas not already wooded. The dataset is based upon the 1:50k BGS geology survey, and relies upon identifying drift and bedrock geologies that are characteristic of slowly permeable soils. A set of open access constraints data was used to erase areas which contained existing woodland, watercourses, peat, roads, rail and urban locations. The information provided is largely based on a 100m gridded version of the BGS 1:50k superficial and bedrock data, along with open constraints data, and is indicative rather than specific. Locations identified may have more recent building or land use than available data indicates. It is important to note that land ownership and change to flood risk have not been considered, and it may be necessary to model the impacts of significant planting. Further information on the Working with Natural Processes project, including a mapping user guide, can be found in the reports published here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/working-with-natural-processes-to-reduce-flood-risk