Latest news from Eyemouth U3A

Emily Iles and her assistant used models, illustrations and case studies to deliver a very informative talk on the work of the Tweed Forum.

The Tweed Forum was formed in 1991 “to promote the sustainable use of the whole of the Tweed catchment area, through holistic and integrated management and planning”.

It works in close partnership with its members to protect, enhance and restore the rich natural, built and cultural heritage of the River Tweed and its tributaries, and works closely with landowners and the local community so that everyone can contribute ideas and follow the project’s progress.

Emily joined the Tweed Forum in May 2015 and is head of the Tweed Invasives Project, which involves the large scale removal of targeted, invasive, non-native plant species, such as giant hogweed and Japanese knot weed, along 12,500sq km of water courses in the Tweed catchment area.

Emily is also involved in the Eddleston Project.

The main aims of the project are to investigate the possibility of reducing the risk of flooding to the communities of Eddleston and Peebles by restoring some of the original natural features of the catchment.

It works with landowners and communities in the Eddleston valley to maximise the benefits they would gain from such work, while maintaining the profitability of local farms and improving the river habitat for wildlife and fisheries.

In her talk, she described some of the work, such as re-meandering of the river and reforestation, which is now taking place throughout the Eddleston catchment as part of the overall plan to restore the river and valley.

Models were used to show how changes in land management and the realignment of river courses can reduce flood risk for downstream communities.

Diary Dates: February Open Meeting: February 8, at Eyemouth Community Centre, 10am for tea and coffee, followed by a talk at 10.15am by Noel Hodgson on Flodden, from the perspective of writing the novel, Heron’s Flight.