Drones deliver tree seeds to safeguard reservoir

In a bid to safeguard the water quality of the Talla Reservoir, drones have been deployed to plant tree seeds around the area in the Scottish Borders. The Talla Reservoir, located near Tweedsmuir, serves as a vital water source for Edinburgh. This project aims to distribute over two million native tree seeds across difficult-to-reach upland regions.

The goal is for these trees to help stabilize the soil, reducing the amount of organic material that flows into the reservoir during heavy rainfall. By doing so, it is expected that the water treatment process will become more efficient and require less energy.

These drones are particularly valuable in areas that are otherwise challenging to access. This initiative is part of a larger woodland creation program, spanning 200 acres (80 hectares) of land surrounding the reservoir.

The first phase of the project is focused on a 50-acre section, where the aim is to enhance the existing woodland. Thousands of native tree species, including aspen, rowan, oak, alder, and downy birch, could also be planted in this area.

Stephen Garbett, the Woodland Creation Programme Manager at Scottish Water, expressed excitement about the innovative approach, stating: "This is a completely new method for creating woodlands, and were thrilled to collaborate with Bell Ingram and AutoSpray Systems to utilize this advanced drone technology at Talla Reservoir. Due to the rugged landscape, traditional planting methods would be challenging and time-consuming, so using drones to cover such areas is a fantastic solution."

Garbett added that they were eager to see the results after completing the first phase of drone seeding. The team working on the project has faced difficult conditions at times, but they remain optimistic.

Gillian Martin, the Scottish Governments Climate Action Secretary, expressed support for the initiative, highlighting its dual benefits: "This project will not only boost local biodiversity but also provide a natural solution to help reduce flooding in the area."

Scottish Water also mentioned that this initiative aims to complement other local projects focused on enhancing biodiversity. The long-term vision is to establish a sustainable and healthy woodland ecosystem around the Talla Reservoir.

Author: Logan Reeves