Forth-ERA

The first of its kind - a digital observatory of the Firth of Forth's catchment.

We use near and real-time data flows from sensors, satellites and models to provide a one-stop-shop for environmental data. This enables the Forth catchment’s diverse organisations, from heavy industry to national parks, to take data-led, evidence-based decisions and plan for a sustainable and just transition to a net zero future. 

This work falls under the remit of Scotland’s International Environment Centre and is funded by the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal.

Digital water observatory in the Forth Valley

This is the world’s first regional environmental monitoring platform to support the green recovery. Forth-ERA enables the Forth Valley region, our citizens, our community, and our environment to thrive and support the region in its transition to social, economic and climate success. 

Forth-ERA is unique in as much as it is a complete hydrological model of the Forth river and estuary. The digital model uses state-of-the-art technology to push the envelope of scenario planning, modelling outcomes based on simulations. 

Best in class, the Forth Environmental Resilience Array (Forth-ERA) is a digital observatory. The full hydrology of the region is modelled online, enabling us to test future flooding scenarios. Technology allows us to test environmental parameters without fear of disruption on the ground. Data scientists can build models and run simulations based on changes in; soil moisture, precipitation, river flow and atmospheric pressure.  

Water quality in the Forth Valley basin

Data is enhanced through near real-time data feeds, supported by technological innovation. Data buoys have been installed in five freshwater lochs and two in the Forth estuary to measure water quality. They also measure bacterial coliforms in rivers using a bespoke flow-through system.

The importance of monitoring water quality

Dr Peter Hunter explains why lakes are so vital for food, energy, industry and climate change.

Flood management in near real-time through the Forth-ERA digital observatory

The combined effect of storm surges and catchment flooding provide real risk to key assets within the Estuary. Forth-ERA will be providing monitoring and modelling capability to assess effective mitigation strategies. Forth-ERA is able to monitor changes in catchment hydrology (soil moisture) and river levels through the sensor network to provide early warnings of potential flood water generation as well as provide data from dynamic model simulations to Forth Valley industries, SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency) and emergency services from the field using 5G.

Floods, surges and droughts

Professor Andrew Tyler, Director for Forth-ERA, talks about how Forth-ERA is looking at solutions to the threats from water due to climate change.

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Use case: water quality, tracking discharges of wastewater

Using sensors in water systems, Forth-ERA enables near-real time detection and monitoring of wastewater discharges from treatment works in the Forth Valley to support the operations of companies such as Scottish Water while also contributing to the surveillance monitoring undertaken by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. Under extreme flood events, where overflow may result in untreated effluents and an ever-increasing cocktail of pollutants being discharged, data flows can provide the data on the impact of downstream ecosystems and evidence needed for the implementation of mitigation measures and follow up action.

How technology, science and expertise help build a more resilient and sustainable future

Sensors are helping us gain a deeper understanding of climatic extremes across the Forth Valley region and the risks posed to people, place and nature. Ultimately this is helping us build a more resilient and sustainable future. 
A flavour of the technology put into field includes: 

  • Rivertrack flood sensors
  • Mini-meteorological station
  • Coastal wave buoys 
  • Estuarine data buoy
  • A Bugg eco-acoustic monitor
  • Air quality sensors 
  • Wildlife cameras 
  • A river flow radar 
  • A lot of LoRaWAN gateways.  

Rolling out an environmental sensor network of this scale takes a team. We are hugely grateful for the support received from our key partners and stakeholders and look forward to continuing these collaborations in the year ahead. 

Peatland Performance in the Forth Valley Region

The University of Stirling is spearheading efforts to monitor peatlands in the Forth Valley region. Advanced sensors are being deployed at key sites, including Glen Finglas, Tigh na Blair, Leadloch, Hare Moss, and Flanders Moss, to validate satellite data and assess restoration progress. 

This combined satellite and sensor-driven approach provides invaluable insights into the success of restoration projects, ensuring peatlands fulfil their potential as powerful natural carbon sinks. 

Peatland monitoring technology for ground-truth data in the Forth Valley region 

  • A Licor Eddy covariance flux tower takes direct measurements of CO2; 
  • Eosense automatic soil chambers measure microscale fluxes of CO2 and CH4 from peat; 
  • Eosense lower cost forced diffusion chambers measure microscale fluxes of CO2 from peat; 
  • HOBO meteorological stations measure hydrology with multi-depth soil moisture readings 

If you are operational in the Forth Valley region the Forth-ERA Observatory can provide unprecedented intelligence. Do contact us about our consultancy capabilities, bolstered by technology, artificial intelligence, machine learning and data analysis can help your organisation.  

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Let’s discuss how we can support your organisation.