Enhancing straightened river channels

Where there is not the opportunity to reinstate meanders to artificially straightened rivers there are a number of other management techniques which can be used to enhance the channel and provide good habitat for fish and plant species.

Marginal planting is a common enhancement technique which acts to improve habitat and provide spawning areas for fish communities. This can be achieved using a variety of desirable aquatic species such as Lesser Reedmace (Typha angustifolia), Flowering Rush (Butomus umbellatus), Reed Sweet-grass (Glyceria maxima), Reed Canary-grass (Phalaris arundinacea), Sweet Flag (Acorus calamus), Arrowhead (Sagittaria sagittifolia), Water Plantain (Alisma plantago-aquatica), etc.

Another useful enhancement technique is recreating pool/riffle sequences, this effectively alters the flow regime of the river and creates sections of fast flowing shallow water which are ideal for migratory and non-migratory species to spawn.

Riffles are particularly beneficial as they act to oxygenate the water, as with any areas where the air water interface is increased dissolved oxygen levels are increased. This natural oxygenation process improves water quality and can enhance fish health.