600-hectare woodland plan to help keep key Angus reservoir level up
A 600-hectare native woodland could be created in the Angus hills above the area’s main reservoir to help keep its water level buoyant for local customers.
The 25 million cubic metre Backwater Reservoir, near Kirriemuir, is one of Tayside’s most important supply sources. But it was one of Scottish Water’s hardest-hit facilities during a dry 2025. A lack of spring rain which was followed by a searing summer saw Backwater at just a third of capacity in October.
Drone footage of the two-mile long reservoir showed the impact of the reservoir’s driest year since 1953.
However, a wet start to this year brought the water level back up to 80% capacity. Almost 300mm of rain made it the second wettest Angus January on record.
Scottish Water is now preparing to showcase proposals for the ambitious native woodland project it hopes will improve future water catchment. The Glenhead Water Woods project forms part of a long‑term plan to protect drinking water supplies for around 90,000 people in Angus.
Planting and peatland restoration are at the forefront of the nature-based solutions. Scottish Water says woodland creation will help improve reservoir water quality and stabilise flow by slowing down and storing water in the landscape. It also aims to improve biodiversity and act as a natural carbon store.
The peatland restoration element of the project has already seen more than 300 hectares delivered in the Backwater catchment. Another 192 hectares are targeted for 2026, making it one of Scottish Water’s biggest peatland restoration projects to date.
Senior project manager Karlene Doherty said:
“We are looking forward to sharing information about our woodland creation plans for the area with the local community.
“Members of our project team and delivery partner Bell Ingram will be on hand to speak to those attending this information event, answer any questions they might have about the proposals and help talk through any concerns or feedback.
“These proposals are still at an early stage and we are keen to work with the community as we develop them further.”
Planting could begin in 2027.
She added:
“Catchment scale woodland creation and peatland restoration projects such as this are key in helping us protect the quality of our water resources against the increasing impacts of climate change.”
The information event will take place at Kilry Village Hall on Thursday May 28 from 4-7pm.
More details on the proposal can also be found at www.scottishwater.co.uk/glenhead.
This article appeared in the Courier on 13 May 2026