Property:Project summary
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R
In the Reestvervangende Leiding, a test with main channel mowing is carried out. The hydrological consequences are monitored by drones, as part of the Dotter project. The aim is to create a bank vegetation that promotes greater biodiversity. +
Restoration project in Serpis River in the tt.mm. Lorcha (Alicante province) and Villalonga (Valencia province) +
In the Serpis River there are a variety of habitats, from riparian forest with undamaged stretches to Mediterranean forest. There are also elements of great cultural and heritage value, as mills from the XIX century. Anthropic pressure, mainly agriculture and hydropower industry makes necessary the restoration to ensure the ecological river corridor.
The actions of the project are: Recovery of the river mobility space; Recovery of river morphology: recovery of the steepness of the slopes of the channel and the original path of the river (oxbow connection); Recovery of longitudinal continuity: demolition of 5 obsolete weirs and construction of fish ladders in two weirs; Clean channel and its banks; Elimination of exotics plants, silvicultural treatments and planting of riparian trees and shrubs; and installation of information panels and limitation on use of roads.
The project has a total budget of 6.912.492€ and is financed by the Ministry of Environment, as part of the National Strategy for River Restoration. +
A
Austria Upper Mur - River widening St. Peter Au (LIFE+ (LIFE+ 08 NAT A 614) Inner-Alpine river basin management – Upper River Mur - murerleben II 2010-2015) +
In the St. Peterer Au a side-arm was built in 2004 initially. Due to the flood in September 2005 a 30m long and 60m deep erosion scar arose downstream of the inflow building for the side-arm. In the course of the project "Murerleben I" a large part of the inner arc between the newly created side-arm and the Mur was taken into the public water property. This allowed preserving the natural structures caused by the flood instead of restoring the state before the flood. On the opposite bank, the bank protection was partially removed on 500 m. This facilitates the development of natural waters and shoreline structures also on the left bank. Two reactivated tributaries, 600 m and 200 m long, offer valuable habitats especially for young and standing water fish. On up to 5 ha alluvial forest can develop. Two alluvial basins offer a new habitat for amphibians.
In the follow-up project "muerlerben II" the measure is widened extensively. A few meters upstream a 250 m long side-arm is constructed and a tributary stream is revitalised. Downstream of the existing measure both on the left and on the right bank two side-arms with a total length of 850 m are created.
In addition to promoting the dynamic development of the river bed, 4.5 ha of alluvial forest are initiated and 4,000 m² of alluvial basins are created.
Thus, the alluvial management Thalheim - St. Peter / Judenburg evolves to a set of measures, which facilitates a structurally rich watercourse of 3.0 km. The entire measure covers an area of around 9.3 ha. +
V
In the Vlier, two experiments were performed to assess the effect of vegetation removal in blocks on stream ecology. +
A
Austria Upper Mur - River Widening Weyern (LIFE III (LIFE03 NAT/A/000011) Inner-Alpine river basin management – Upper River Mur - murerleben I 2003-2007) +
In the Weyern-Au space for the development of natural river habitats has been created over a length of about 1.2 km. This has been facilitated by the creation of two side-arms. The islands between the tributaries and the river Mur are unsecured, so the river Mur can form natural waters and shoreline structures. In the hinterland alluvial basins were created as amphibian breeding waters with large areas of shallow water. One abandoned meander which is connected only downriver to this new side-arm serves as valuable winter rest and refuge for fish. Through the release of 4 ha land natural alluvial forest will develop instead of the existing spruce forests. In addition, the water accessibility for the population has been improved.
GerambRose 2010:
The measure river widening Weyern of the project Murerleben 2003-2007 was awarded on 17.09.2010 with the GerambRose.
The GerambRose is awarded in Styria in appreciation for services that maintain or create high-quality architecture. Neither the owner, the designer nor the performers, but their collective effort, the building, is the focus point of the price.
The theme of the GerambRose 2010 was dedicated to the "public spaces". Together with the river widening Weyern (Upper Mur), the river widening Gosdorf and Schladming (Enns) were awarded a prize. +
I
In the case of the Aragon pilot, "Cañizar Lagoon", the wetland contract has not been signed due to lack of agreement. The lagoon of the Cañizar is a singular wetland according to LEGISLATIVE DECREE 1/2015, of July 29, of the Government of Aragon, by which the consolidated text of the Law of Protected Spaces of Aragon is tested, said figure was recognized by ORDER of November 21, 2012, of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Environment, which includes the Laguna del Cañizar, in the municipal terms of Cella and Villarquemado (Teruel), in the Inventory of Singular Wetlands of Aragon.
The singular wetland figure in Aragon, having no regulatory development, does not have by law any form of management defined. This pilot case has served to include the Wetland Contract as a figure of management of these kind of wetland in Aragón region.
Only general measures are specified in the contract as it is agreed with the stakeholders to include the specific measures to be executed in the Action plan. One of the problems that the lagoon has had since its recovery is the absence of a governance and management model. With the union of the Wetland contract and the Management Action Plan it was intended to provide the lagoon with a management figure based on stakeholder participation. The lack of agreement and the existing conflict have prevented the start-up of these management figures, although it is still working once the Wetnet project is finalized in the implementation of both the wetland contract and the action plan –management
For that reason, the following actions were included in the contract from a generalist point of view
1. Environmental integration measures and agricultural uses
2. Environmental integration measures and livestock uses
3. Environmental integration measures and tourism uses
4. Environmental integration measures and public uses (hunting, fishing ...)
5. Conservation measures and environmental improvement
These actions were defined in the management plan, annexed to the wetland contract.
As explained previously, our pilot area did not reach an agreement for the signing of the wetland contract during the wetnet project. Despite the multiple meetings and workshops held, the conflict in the pilot zone has prevented a sane from being reached. However, the government of Aragón and Sarga continue working in the area, searching for a sane way to manage the wetland. At present, the Action Plan is the instrument with which the wetland is being worked, the application of some of the measures can facilitate reaching the desired agreement and finally be able to sign the wetland contract as a management figure.
A
In the city of Leoben the river Mur, with its overgrown banks and embankments, forms the central green structure of the city. The strongly meandering watercourse divides the city into different areas and neighborhoods. The enormous leisure and recovery potential along the Mur is currently used only insufficiently and in certain areas.
Based on a strengths-weaknesses analysis the objectives and measures have been formulated in the master plan, which indicates an enhanced landscape-architectural approach to the Mur.
The aim was to present and bring to life the Mur as a watercourse within the cityscape. The Mur is part of the city architecture (bridges, walls, stairs), connects (green belt and network, leisure axis), interrupts and opens (sights and views). The Mur with its bank- and river structures shall serve as a meeting place, recreation area and safe playground. Safe and contiguous walk and bike trails shall be established along the Mur. They shall interlink the urban neighborhoods and landscapes and lead on to the regional bike and walking network.
Design priorities, presented in different variants, point to ways in which the opportunities and attractiveness for recreation and leisure use can be increased. +
E
In the context of fulfilling the Water Framework Directive requirements, the LIFE+ project Walphy allowed experimental restoration projects to be undertaken on two medium-size catchments of the Meuse basin in Wallonia (Belgium) between 2009 and 2014: the Bocq catchment and the Eau Blanche Catchment. This five-year long project was funded by the European Union and the Service Public de Wallonie (SPW). It involved three institutions: the SPW was in charge of the experimental restoration projects while the Universities of Liège and Namur were responsible for evaluating the success of the restoration projects.
The Eau Blanche is a medium-size gravel-bed river. Its downstream reach (13 km) is characterized by a low gradient (1-2 ‰), a low energy (specific stream power at the bankfull stage: 20 W/m²) and a wide floodplain (around 600 m). Its channel have been straightened and embanked over the last few centuries (sinuosity index decreased from 1.6 to 1.1), which has led to significant loss of habitat.
A multi-scale assessment of hydromorphological conditions of the Eau Blanche catchment has led to several restoration projects on a total length 6 km. They consist of measures of different ambitions such as reconnecting remnant meander, meandering river channel and habitat diversification. In addition, we undertook locally to improve fish shelters and spawning areas. +
B
In the context of fulfilling the Water Framework Directive requirements, the LIFE+ project Walphy allowed experimental restoration projects to be undertaken on two medium-size catchments of the Meuse basin in Wallonia (Belgium) between 2009 and 2014: the Bocq catchment and the Eau Blanche Catchment. This five-year long project was funded by the European Union and the Service Public de Wallonie (SPW). It involved three institutions: the SPW was in charge of the experimental restoration projects while the Universities of Liège and Namur were responsible for evaluating the success of the restoration projects.
The Bocq is a medium-size gravel-bed river which has been strongly impacted by numerous barriers, impeding the free movement of fish and bedload (an average of one weir every 1.8 km). In addition, some river reaches have been straightened over the last few centuries, which has led to significant loss of habitat.
A multi-scale assessment of hydromorphological conditions of the Bocq catchment has led to a large-scale restoration project implemented mainly in the lower and middle course of the Bocq River itself. 22 barriers (mainly old weirs of an average height of 1.35 m) have been removed or modified in order to reconnect the Bocq with the Meuse and to improve access to areas of spawning grounds. To date, only two barriers remain in the middle Bocq. In addition, 3.6 km of modified reaches were improved through a wide range of rehabilitation techniques such as designing sinuous channels, re-instating spawning grounds, improving fish shelters, improving culvert bed, etc. +
H
In the early 1980s, the intertidal saltmarsh habitat of Hesketh Out Marsh (Photo 1) was reclaimed from the Ribble Estuary for use as farmland (Map 1). Ownership of the land within Hesketh Out Marsh divided this enclosure into two parcels of land: Hesketh Out Marsh West (HOMW) and Hesketh Out Marsh East (HOME) (Map 2).
In 2008, HOMW was reverted to intertidal saltmarsh when the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), in partnership with the Environment Agency, breached the outer flood embankment of this western half (HOMW). This breaching was possible by building a north–south cross-embankment separating the two parcels of land. Those works not only created 168ha of habitat – a nature reserve, owned and managed since by the RSPB – but also realigned the coastal margin for a more natural, robust and sustainable line of coastal flood defence. The challenge was then to do the same on the east
The Hesketh Out Marsh realignment creates a total of 322ha of priority saltmarsh habitat which contributes to a more robust flood defence system, providing a 1 in 200 year standard of flood protection to 143 residential properties, 3 commercial buildings and 300ha of prime agricultural land. +
A
In the light of a dynamically developing city the river Mur is a significant leisure and recovery corridor in the urban area of Graz. This importance will even increase over the next decades.
Under the motto „habitat Mur - sustainable use, cautious development, intense experience and attractive design” freiland Environmental Consulting Civil Engineers Ltd. is dealing with this urban river habitat for almost 10 years now.
On basis of the concept "habitat Mur" (LebMur) a planning process has been initiated in 2004, which is constantly optimized since then. Under this concept opportunities for development and measures have been identified that contribute to the protection, the enhancement and the long-term ecological management of the habitat Mur.
In the subsequent preparation of the Master plans Mur - Graz south and Graz center the concept was revived, adapted to the new environment (power plant project) and developed accordingly. The detailed design and the continuous site monitoring secured the quality of the implementation of the first recreational areas resulting from this process: the promenade Graz Süd including harbour and the "Auwiesen".
The current focus of the habitat development lies in the establishment of the "regional park alluvial area on the river Mur". The integrated development process aims at reducing landuse conflicts in metropolitan areas. The goal is to accomplish new qualities for this area which is characterized by high pressure on the environment. Subsequently an attractive and usable urban landscape will be developed, by taking into consideration the important role of the river. +
R
In the past this section of the Wensum at Bintree Mill has been dredged creating a deepened and overwidened channel with uniform flow, and has suffered from over-grazing and trampling by Limosin cattle. The Bintree Angling Club had ownership of the fishing rights of this stretch of the river and implemented habitat improvements that to promote wild brown trout fishery with less reliance on stocking. This was achieved through channel narrowing, riffle installation, fencing, flow deflectors, tree planting and the creation of fenced cattle crossing points. +
N
In the past, the Highland Water and Blackwater channels have been straightened and cleared of large woody debris (LWD), leading to disconnection of the channel from its floodplain, increased headward erosion and downcutting, high sediment transport rates and rapid progression of flood peaks.
The New Forest LIFE III project was proposed to improve the ecological potential of the catchments, increase habitat diversity and mitigate flood risk. Restoration began in 2003, with a 'test restoration' on the Blackwater, followed by Highland Water, reaching completion in 2006. The project involved remeandering of the channel and the introduction of LWD dams and CWD - providing habitats for fish and macroinvertebrates, while increasing flow resistance and the frequency/magnitude of overbank flow (which in turn would supply additional LWD for dam creation. LWD dams also increase the frequency of pool-riffle sequences - improving bed complexity.
Many aspects of the projects were deemed to be a success, with a clear increase in delay of the flood peak, post-restoration. The frequency and duration of overbank flow was also observed to increase appreciably.
Works included: Introduction of LWD to increase flow resistance - increasing frequency/magnitude of overbank flow, delaying flood peaks for flood mitigation and creating habitat for aquatic organisms. Bed-level raising with gravel addition. +
W
In the section to be restored, had built six concrete slabs, which causes problems of erosion in the riverbed and margins, and puddles of sewage, with associated environmental problems (odors, mosquitoes, infection). In the last 40 m above the mouth, the river bed was completely concreted and the right margin by a breakwater armored with concrete.
The main objective of this project was the environmental adaptation of the final stretch of the Riera. The new bioengineering techniques contributed to create natural structures and eliminated old concrete structures.
The project has a total budget of 131.226,74 € and is financed by the Municipality of Sant Quirze del Vallés. +
A
In this reach, impassable flow control structures impounded the river by 1.4m, for over 4km upstream. WFD fisheries surveys determined moderate to poor ecological status upstream of the structures, with good ecological status downstream.
Project objectives to improve WFD status upstream of weir structures from 'moderate' to 'good', along with flood alleviation. Works involved lowering of 5 structures along an 800m section of river, construction of a 200m nature-like weir bypass channel to create free fish migration status, in addition to two backwaters created towards the end of the bypass channel and directly downstream of its exit; as well as creation of 80m of new riffle habitat for spawning.
After twenty years of work, a significant partnership project helping to deliver Water Framework Directive objectives has been completed on the River Loddon at Arborfield, near Reading.
The problem:
Arborfield weirs were highlighted as the most significant barrier to fish migration in the Loddon catchment limiting natural habitat types upstream. Local access and flooding issues were raised.
The solution: Two hundred meters of complex channel and backwaters bypassing Arborfield weirs have been created. This will provide some 20km of free fish passage from the River Thames towards Basingstoke at certain times of year for a range of fish like sea trout, barbel and eels. The project delivers enhanced fish spawning and nursery grounds and restores impounded habitat.
The new river channel will help the Loddon towards meeting 'Good Ecological Status' required by the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and aims to be helpful as a case study for similar WFD-led projects around the country.
Project Objectives:
* Working with communities: anglers and local people shaped objectives and gave practical input; University of Reading and Cranfield University are helping with monitoring.
* Allow free fish passage to enable fish to complete lifecycles. We have seen fish entering the channel from top and bottom, confirming the bypass is passable for a variety of small fish.
* Improve Water Framework Directive status from moderate to good: create new fish spawning and nursery areas and monitor effects.
* Restore impounded habitat: lower weirs to restore flow and habitats. Chub have been observed spawning twice on restored riffles upstream since the weirs were lowered.
* Restore Biodiversity Action Plan habitat; construct wet feeds to key areas.
* Provide national case study: ‘before’ and ‘after’ studies to inform others.
* Improve site health and safety: better, safer access around site.
* Local flood risk: lower weirs have reduced breaching to adjacent land.
Works included: Thames Water weir lowering and repair work to four out of five structures - to lower upstream water levels and reduce overbank flow frequency. <br>
Community Involvement - Presentations and meetings with local citizens. Volunteers involved in construction and future management of project.
S
In within a catchment area of 250,000 hectares, the River Skjern (in western Jutland) is the largest river in Denmark in terms of water flow. Previous to human alteration, there was a huge expanse of marshland (4,000 ha) with a mixture of reed-swamps, meadows, meandering watercourses and shallow lakes at mouth of the river.
The delta area constituted the habitat for thousands of migratory bird species and also for stable breeding populations of bittern ("Botaurus stellaris"), black tern ("Chlidonias niger") and corncrake ("Crex crex"). Other species (i.e. European otter ("Lutra lutra"), Atlantic salmon ("Salmon salar"), etc.) were also relatively common until the 1960’s, following the straightening and channelizing of the Skjern and the cultivation of the marshland. This had negative impact on wild flora and fauna species, and dealt to water quality issues with severe effects of the fish and waterfowl populations of Ringkoebing Fjord.
In 1987, the Danish government decided to launch a major strategy to restore marginal areas to their former natural state and to introduce more compatible land use. The River Skjern was to be the milestone of this strategy.
The part involving restoring areas of conservation value of the Skjern was brought as a LIFE-Nature project in January 2001. The "Restoration of habitats and wildlife of Skjern River" aimed to restore 875 ha of the river valley and to improve biological diversity over 1,600 ha by re-introducing grazing. Construction work in the river bed and its tributaries was undertaken for re-meandering 20 km of the river along a more natural course. This enhanced nutrient retention capacity of the river system and enhanced the physical conditions of the site.
By the end of project in December 2004 about 1,200 ha of grassland were established, which was less than originally foreseen (1,600 ha). The reason is that the restoration work finally resulted in increased areas of floodplain. However, these extended wetland areas have benefited important species such as the spotted crake ("Porzana porzana"), avocet (Recurvirostra spp.) and bittern (Ardeidae spp.) and consequently will lead to more enhanced nature conservation.
Monitoring for the assessment of the ecological conditions in the restored area started in 2000. From 2004, the environmental monitoring programme for the project area became part of the national environmental monitoring programme (NOVANA). This surveillance monitoring is more extensive compared to the 2000-2003 monitoring programme for the Skjern River project area.
The River Restoration Centre would like to thank Niels Dahlin Lisborg from the The Nature Agency (Danish Ministry of the Environment) for providing the information and photographs for this case study.
M
Included in the Natura 2000 network, the Matasaru area (100 hectares) is part of a ballast pit 50 years old.
The project goal was to develop and implement a model for ecological restoration of areas affected by mineral extraction activities.
The reconstruction works included tree planting to create a forest curtain, the connection of two lakes, control of invasive species and sanitation of the area. +
G
Increase fish and plant diversity and encourage and promote social benefits of river ecosystems +
W
Increase flow variability and increase marginal vegetation to improve juvenile nursery habitat +
C
Increase velocities to promote and encourage SSSI chalk stream flora through the construction of 2 in-channel islands +