Climate resilience in the Spey catchment

Overview

Climate change impacts mean that Scotland is facing increasing pressure on its water environment, with the frequency of drought and flooding expected to increase.  Last year, the Spey catchment experienced a prolonged period of water scarcity, which impacted on the environment, and businesses which rely on water.  In 2025, Spey stakeholders approached SEPA with concerns about how water scarcity had impacted them.  They asked SEPA to consider what could be done to improve things in future years. 

SEPA is continuing to have discussions with individual stakeholders as part of the regulatory approach on water scarcity, and in preparation for the summer months.  However, climate change adaptation and building resilience of the water environment will need a longer-term approach involving a full range of stakeholders.  

Addressing the pressures of climate change on our water resources will require a resilient, integrated  approach that includes public, private and community interests to adapt to climate change and protect nature-rich catchments. This survey builds on initial discussions and asks about your priorities and perspectives, as well as inviting suggestions on possible next steps. We will analyse the results and use them to shape our approach to climate resilience in the River Spey catchment.

This short survey covers 

• Your perspectives on the Spey and future actions needed 

• Your views on ways to engage 

By submitting your response to this survey, you give us permission to analyse and include your response in our results. Any personal information you provide will be treated in confidence and stored securely in accordance with our  Privacy Policy. You may choose to answer all, some, or none of the questions.

If you wish to respond another way or would like a copy of the survey in a different format, please contact consultation@sepa.org.uk