A recently published UK report for DEFRA, looking at the benefits of implementing an Ecosystems Services approach has used the SURF Gaywood Valley project as a case study.

SURF partner, Norfolk County Council, was one of only 4 case studies selected to participate in the Embed project. The project aimed to measure the advantages of taking an ecosystems services approach and uncover the value of natural capital.

The Gaywood Valley project in King's Lynn, UK was monitored to look at how they are dealing with the subject and implementation of ecosystem services. The area was of interest to the study because it provides a comparison between options for flood alleviation. The project is also innovative in its approach of combining socio-economic issues with the management of land and water.

The project findings are outlined in a report titled, "Embedding an Ecosystems Approach in Decision Making: Measuring the Added Value", which was produced by the Centre for Environmental Management (CEM) team at Nottingham University. The findings are set to be fed back to DEFRA, the UK Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

The SURF project is part of the Interreg IVB North Sea Region Programme and is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Further information about SURF work on the Gaywood Valley can be found on the project website www.sustainablefringes.eu