In a Radio 4 programme aired in April as part of the Nature series, Brett Westwood explored the growing use of coarse woody debris (CWD) in managing rivers.  

 ''According to Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, fish live in trees too'', says the BBC Radio 4. ''The Trust's biologists are using wood as a remarkably effective tool to change the depth and flow of streams and improve them for wildlife. They don't just stop at streams either: at the confluence of the Tame and Trent rivers, they've submerged entire willow trees in gravel islands in a project to widen the river channel.

A two day conference was hosted by the River Restoration Centre and held at Nottingham University in April. The event presented some of the most cutting edge and innovative ways of achieving river restoration to a 200 strong audience of international environmental experts.

A new report, prepared by DG Environment, has recently been published addressing the issue of links between the Water Framework Directive (WFD 2000/60/EC) and Nature Directives (Birds Directive 2009/147/EC and Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC).

This paper compiles some frequently asked questions raised by implementing authorities and stakeholders and provides detailed answers related to the implementation of WFD in Natura 2000 sites.

The document could be downloade from the publication page 

In response to Pitt Review Recommendation 27, a report has been published with guidance on greater working with natural processes in flood and coastal erosion risk management.Go to:

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/research/planning/136425.aspx

Let us know your thoughts on the measures identified - are these appropriate?

Click on this news feature for details about the upcoming Spatial Planning RESTORE Workshop in Arnhem. If you are interested in booking a place on the event, contact Di Hammond at the River Restoration Centre to confirm your attendance (di@therrc.co.uk).