PUDDLE JUMP: Promoting Upstream-Downstream Directed Linkages in the Environment: “Joined-Up” Management Perspectives

PUDDLE JUMP will contribute to “joined up” thinking about hydrological and other ecosystem services (ES) that can be provided by small artificial waterbodies (SAWs: ponds and wetlands). SAWs are found in many urban, agricultural and forest landscapes.

When designed, located and managed appropriately, they can be multifunctional solutions for flood and drought risk mitigation, biodiversity promotion and ES delivery.

We will highlight the need to consider upstream/downstream hydrological and institutional connectivity when evaluating the (dis-)benefits SAWs offer to society and nature.

Through an in-depth and co-created study of Mälardalen (Stockholm, Uppsala, Knivsta) SAWs, we develop guidelines for Swedish municipal stakeholders to integrate SAWs into their planning processes.

We will use a “local first” approach to engage with municipalities where a lack of joined-up thinking has limited the optimal use of SAWs for ES delivery.

Using a catchment-oriented approach, we will test how SAWs can manage water flows and will focus on SAW placement to mitigate against extreme hydrological events (both floods and drought).

We will investigate the recreational and social ES offered by SAWs, and use citizen science methods to increase public awareness of the multiple ES that SAWs provide.

Finally, we will analyse the national and international policy context for SAWs focusing on multi-level governance and actions to meet both Water Framework and Floods Directive requirements.