Natural bank stabilisation

Riverbanks hold a key position in the functionality of floodplains as they constitute the gradual transition between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. However, due to technical constructions, the majority of riverbanks in temperate regions are far from their ecological potential.

They represent both natural and man-made features following the river flow. In the past, lots of many artificial banks were built with concrete or other types of retaining walls, thus restricting the natural movements of rivers, leading to river degradation, increased water flow velocity, increased erosion and reduced biodiversity. 

Riverbanks play a key role in floodplain functioning, providing a gradual transition between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. However, the majority of riverbanks in temperate regions are far from their ecological potential due to engineering structures.

River bank renaturalisation consists in recovering its ecological components, thus reversing such damages and especially allowing bank to be stabilised, as well as rivers to move more freely. Nature-based solutions such as bioengineering are preferable, but civil engineering must be used in case of strong hydrological constraints.

While SN05 Stream bed re-naturalisation restores the natural structure of the streambed and banks for ecological benefits, the main objective of SN10 is to stabilise riverbanks to reduce erosion while still allowing the natural movement of the river, especially during morphogenic events like large flood events. 

Techniques such as riverbank fascines made up of dead wood branches taken from local bushes and trees, or living willow rods, or planting vegetation, decrease erosion, stabilise riverbank and slow down runoff.