WATERWAYS & AUTHORITIES
One of our key working targets is to support authorities to achieve their objectives by delivering services with the least amount of impact on the environment; which includes using the latest AI supported technology.
We are aligned with the ‘Catchment Based Approach’, targeting key projects that make big differences to these catchment areas.
HOW SDS CAN HELP WITH DRONE TECHNOLOGY
- FASTER & MORE EFFICIENT – Drones can plant thousands of trees in a day, much quicker than manual methods.
- COST-EFFECTIVE – Reduces labour and other operational costs such as equipment fuel, excess product usage.
- PRECISION PLANTING – AI-driven drones optimise planting density and location.
- GO ANYWHERE - Effective across various terrains and environments, from hard to reach to hazardous locations, large forestry areas, expansive fields, wetlands, waterways/reservoirs and peatlands.
- DECARBONISING INDUSTRY – Adoption of drone usage is being actively encouraged as a way to assist with UK carbon targets. Compared to traditional methods of providing services and completing tasks, they have up to a 95% smaller carbon footprint. This is support in detail through PwC's latest report on drone development within industry.
PHOSPHORUS & NITROGEN REDUCTION
- COVER CROPS: Prevents nutrient runoff and leaching by absorbing excess nitrogen and phosphorus. Drones are the perfect solution for seeding cover crops.
- WILD FLOWERS & VEGETATION ZONES: Planting additional flowers and vegetation along waterways and field edges helps to trap and absorb nutrients before they reach water bodies.
- PRECISION FERTILISATION: Drones are able to apply fertilisers at the right time and in the right amounts with precision accuracy. This minimizes the quantity of product used, reducing the amount put on to the ground
- NO-TILL OR REDUCED TILLAGE: With zero soil contact, drones reduce soil disturbance and erosion, keeping phosphorus-bound soil particles in place and reducing run off.
- DECARBONISING INDUSTRY – Adoption of drone usage is being actively encouraged as a way to assist with UK carbon targets. Compared to traditional methods, drones have up to a 95% smaller carbon footprint compared
HARMFUL ALGAE BLOOM REDUCTION
Many of the above actions will help to reduce the effects of algae blooms. Where necessary, drones are also ideal for the precision application of a chemical focused response to further fight the problem.
While this can be necessary and effective, the focus is on the development and use of BIOLOGICAL CONTROLS to break down bacteria & enzymes, for both prevention and treatment of existing problem outbreaks.
This is a market that again lends itself to drone application, due to the nature and location of these HABs.
VEGETATION, TREE, WETLAND & PEATLAND SUPPORT SERVICES
Drones are ideal to use for tree planting on floodplains to help restore ecosystems, reduce erosion, and mitigate flooding. This method is efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly.
“Developing our full catchment approach will also present the opportunity to manage land differently, attenuating surface water and reducing run-off to improve river water quality. Our plans also include planting trees on flood plains to increase water uptake, increase biodiversity, and produce biomass for energy generation” – Yorkshire Water, Our Long-Term Delivery Strategy 2025-2050.
These are areas that SDS are very focused on developing and our network of XAG drone operators are working with a number of interesting partners.
ONE EXAMPLE IS SEED POD DISPERSAL – Our drones drop biodegradable seed pods filled with tree seeds (applicable to numerous species), nutrients, and growth stimulants. This allows for rapid planting over large, inaccessible floodplain areas.
EROSION CONTROL & SOIL STABILISATION – Trees planted by drones help stabilise riverbanks and floodplains by reducing soil erosion. Their root systems absorb excess water, slowing floodwaters and reducing damage downstream.
REFORESTATION & CARBON SEQUESTRATION – Restoring floodplains with native trees improves biodiversity, provides wildlife habitats and captures carbon from the atmosphere. Trees enhance natural flood defences by increasing soil absorption capacity.
MONITORING & GROWTH TRACKING – Drones can track seedling growth and detect any areas needing replanting.
AI-powered analysis can assess tree survival rates and adjust planting strategies for better success