Return of a natural resource

Rivers are natural dynamic systems. In the past, attempted control of waters by the use of flood defence mechanisms, such as flood banks, resulted in a rigid management regime, and a damaged environment. The emphasis is now towards working with the river, rather than against it, and applying a more natural, but innovative, form of river management.

River restoration schemes have definite benefits in terms of nature conservation, fisheries, recreational amenity and biodiversity. However, they may result in a lowering of the level of flood protection.