Upper Spey embankment condition assessment - baseline survey 2024

This document contains a report from cbec eco-engineering UK Ltd for the Cairngorms National Park Authority, assessing the condition of flood embankments along the River Spey. These embankments mainly protect farmland but are under pressure from river erosion, floodwater movement, and disturbance from animals. Such issues are likely to get worse with climate change. A recent survey of approximately 67 kilometres of the River Spey and its tributaries found that most of the 71.14 kilometres of embankments surveyed (83.6%) were in good condition. However, 1.2% (about 0.87 kilometres) were at high risk of breaking, and 1.6% (about 1.14 kilometres) had already breached, allowing floodwater to pass through. The report recommends actions like planting vegetation by the river, installing fences to reduce animal trampling, conducting a natural flood management study, repairing damaged sections, adding culverts for drainage, and continuing annual monitoring until 2028 to maintain and improve embankment stability.