Flooding
A large flood event in 2002 led to flooding in Tarland village and downstream in Aboyne. Initially this was dealt with by traditional engineering approaches of embankments.
More recently there has been considerable interest in natural flood management measures, with several schemes aimed at integrated improvements in flood water storage and habitat. However, there are conflicts between where flood waters would naturally be stored and the fundamental need to maintain productive farmland. It can be seen from old maps that a significant wetland area existed downstream of the Tarland village in the 19th Century, although this is currently the best cropland on drained alluvial soils.
A recent community-led initiative was the addition of a wetland on private land at Mill of Gellan. The aim of this is to increase flood water storage in the upper catchment and improve habitat.
Category: Flooding
