Code
F11
Sector
Forest
Other sector(s)
Urban
The complete description of the NWRM
Summary

Urban forest parks can deliver a broad range of hydrology-related and other ecosystem services. Forests in urban areas have great amenity value, can improve air quality, moderate local microclimates, improve urban biodiversity and contribute to climate change mitigation as well as having ancillary hydrological benefits. Forest soils often have greater infiltration capacity than other urban land cover and can be an important location for aquifer recharge.

Illustration(s)

Aerial view of forest parks, France

Source: http://www.survoldefrance.fr/affichage2.php?img=3775&prev_suiv_link=1

 

Possible benefits with level
Benefits Level
BP1 - Store runoff
Medium
BP2 - Slow runoff
Medium
BP5 - Increase evapotranspiration
High
BP6 - Increase infiltration and/or groundwater recharge
High
BP7 - Increase soil water retention
High
BP8 - Reduce pollutant sources
High
BP9 - Intercept pollution pathways
High
BP10 - Reduce erosion and/or sediment delivery
Medium
BP11 - Improve soils
High
BP12 - Create aquatic habitat
Low
BP13 - Create riparian habitat
Low
BP14 - Create terrestrial habitats
High
BP15 - Enhance precipitation
Low
BP16 - Reduce peak temperature
High
BP17 - Absorb and/or retain CO2
High
ES1 - Water storage
Medium
ES2 - Fish stocks and recruiting
Low
ES3 - Natural biomass production
Medium
ES4 - Biodiversity preservation
High
ES5 - Climate change adaptation and mitigation
High
ES6 - Groundwater/aquifer recharge
Medium
ES7 - Flood risk reduction
Low
ES8 - Erosion/sediment control
Low
ES9 - Filtration of pollutants
Medium
ES10 - Recreational opportunities
High
ES11 - Aesthetic/cultural value
High
PO1 - Improving status of biology quality elements
Low
PO2 - Improving status of physico-chemical quality elements
Low
PO4 - Improving chemical status and priority substances
Low
PO5 - Improving quantitative status
Low
PO6 - Improving chemical status
Low
PO7 - Prevent surface water status deterioration
Medium
PO8 - Prevent groundwater status deterioration
Medium
PO9 - Take adequate and co-ordinated measures to reduce flood risks
Medium
PO10 - Protection of important habitats
High
PO11 - Better protection for ecosystems and more use of Green Infrastructure
High
PO13 - Better management of fish stocks
Low
PO14 - Prevention of biodiversity loss
High

Case studies per NWRM