Restoring the connection to the surrounding land is a very important aspect and function in modern restoration. Here, we briefly present the key elements to consider regarding floodplains and shoreline zones in connection with restoration. As is often the case in restoration, it is important to read the landscape to gain clues about how the final result should look.
- Some watercourses naturally have poor connectivity with the surrounding land, so do not focus on the floodplain in such stretches.
- Are there traces of old shorelines that can provide hints about how high the water reached before human impact? This can give you an idea of how much of the surrounding land is included in the floodplain area.
- To successfully restore the connection between the watercourse and the floodplain, it is important to restore the bottom and water level; without doing so, the floodplain will remain isolated from the watercourse.
- Be mindful of any exposed material when clearing stone debris, as this can be used to quickly establish vegetation in the shoreline/floodplain.
- Before leaving a stretch, ensure that no excavated piles, blasted rock, or other unnatural debris have been left on the floodplain.
- Make sure the floodplain has a natural transition to the surrounding land, with similar morphology to the watercourse. Therefore, avoid removing too much natural stone from the floodplain to the watercourse.
- Feel free to place some dead wood on the floodplain; some can be laid out in a gradient from the watercourse up to the shoreline. This way, various microhabitats are available on a single log. Keep in mind that dead wood on the floodplain can dry out and be easily moved by the next high water.
