A report has been published by CREW on prioritising research and development gap opportunities for river woodlands. The report was authored by a team of scientists from the James Hutton Institute and University of Aberdeen. River woodlands (RW) play a crucial role in protecting river ecosystems, for example by reducing flooding, storing carbon, filtering pollution, and benefiting local communities. However, nearly 55% of surveyed riverbank in Scotland show poor RW health. This highlights a need for RW restoration. This project aimed to:

• Review existing research to assess the strength of evidence on RW benefits and identify remaining knowledge gaps.
• Engage stakeholders (academics, policymakers, businesses, and environmental groups) to determine research priorities and practical needs for RW restoration.
• Find solutions to address these gaps and support investment in RW projects

The project reviewed 60 specific knowledge gaps to determine where more evidence is needed for RW implementation. The team consulted 115 experts and stakeholders to identify and prioritise these RW knowledge gaps and research needs. There is strong evidence for RW benefits in areas like improving water quality, enhancing biodiversity, protecting soil, and supporting wildlife. However, stakeholders need better access to this knowledge and practical guidance. There is limited scientific evidence on key areas like RW placement for managing low river flows, selecting drought-resistant tree species, understanding greenhouse gas interactions, and assessing attitudes toward RW restoration.