This document gives guidelines for the restoration of rivers, including their channels, riparian zones and floodplains. The word ‘river’ is used as a generic term to describe permanently flowing and intermittent watercourses of all sizes, with the exception of artificial water bodies such as canals. Some aspects of landscape restoration beyond the boundaries of what are often considered typical river processes are also considered.
A clear framework of guiding principles to help inform the planning and implementation of river restoration work is provided. These principles are applicable to individuals and organizations wishing to restore rivers, and stress the importance of monitoring and appraisal. This document makes reference to existing techniques and guidance, where these are appropriate and within the scope of this document.
This document gives guidelines on:
- the core principles of restoration;
- aims and overall outcomes of river restoration;
- the spectrum of typical approaches to river restoration with a focus on those that are nature-based and restore both physical and ecological aspects;
- identifying opportunities for restoration and possible constraints, with a focus on physical and natural rather than socio-economic aspects;
- different scales of restoration and how restoration works across different catchments and landscapes;
- the importance of monitoring and appraising restoration work across the range of approaches and scales.