In the second part, we offer a detailed process description for volunteer groups on how to systematically plan and implement low-threshold stream restoration measures. As a first step, standardized citizen science monitoring protocols (for example from the FLOW project, www.flow-projekt.de) should be used to assess stream hydromorphology and benthic invertebrate communities. This evidence can then be used to identify structural deficiencies in the analysed stream section. Next, it is important to contact relevant stakeholders and supporters, to develop and discuss potential measures and finally, to agree on a suitable site-specific measure to improve the concerned stream’s habitat quality. This section also provides tips for obtaining permissions, recruiting volunteers, mobilising supporters and implementing the stream restoration measure on site. Finally, a very important step is post-implementation monitoring to examine the ecological effects of the measure over time. In collaboration with the local stakeholders, the post-monitoring results can then be used to continue or adapt the respective stream restoration measures.
The third section provides practical knowledge on well-tested, low-threshold stream restoration measures to support volunteer groups and practitioners to plan and implement their own local measures. For this, we provide fact sheets on three stream restoration measures that can be implemented by volunteers in collaboration with relevant actors such as land owners and environmental agencies.