Yorkshire Integrated Catchment Solutions Programme (iCASP): A New Model for Research-Based Catchment Management

The Yorkshire Integrated Catchment Solutions Programme (iCASP) is an example of an integrated approach to catchment management, in which research is the cornerstone for integration. The iCASP focus area is the River Ouse drainage basin, Yorkshire, in northern England. Catchment-specific challenges within the River Ouse drainage basin include flooding and drought, soil and water degradation, loss of agriculturally productive land, degradation of peatlands, and aquatic invasive non-native species. iCASP is a partnership between a range of academic and non-academic stakeholders within Yorkshire. iCASP produces policy-focused information through several channels to reach different policy-making audiences at the regional and national level. Information exchange may occur through secondments and communications from iCASP and partner organisations. Projects encourage collaborative decision-making to maximise the benefits of adopting a catchment-based approach, such as upland tree planting or peatland restoration, which may protect soils and reduce flood risk.