Science-Narrative Explorations of “Drought Thresholds” in the Maritime Eden Catchment, Scotland: Implications for Local Drought Risk Management

Drought in the United Kingdom is a “hidden” pervasive risk, defined and perceived different ways by diverse stakeholders sectors. Scientists water managers distinguish meteorological, agricultural, hydrological, socio-economic drought. Historically triggers drought risk management have been demarcated solely specialist hydrological science terms using indices critical thresholds. This paper explores “drought thresholds” as bridging concept for interdisciplinary science-narrative enquiry. The Eden catchment, Scotland acts an exemplar, maritime country wet. research forms part of creative experimentation methods played out seven case-study catchments on hydro-meteorological gradients Risk You (DRY) project, with agricultural most northerly. DRY explored how stories might be brought together to support better decision-making management. involved comparing catchment-scale modelling evidence gathered from local narratives perceptions/experiences. We develop thresholds include perceptual awareness impact within between various sectors catchment (agriculture, business, health wellbeing, public/communities, natural built environments). process developing framework “threshold thinking” that utilizes consideration severity scale, spatial temporal aspects, framing enhancing or reducing factors internal external new graphical methods. discusses this extended sense contribute practice, involving linking perception. has potential improve assessment sectoral vulnerabilities, development adaptive strategies stakeholders, more tailored communication messaging. Our findings indicate presents many complexities given its cross-sectoral nature, rich sources available water, variable prior experience among quantitative across Fuzziness identification was multi-faceted varied reasons. Results suggest paradigm integrates both traditional non-traditional “fuzzy” threshold concepts should integrated into current future policy frameworks