Reducing River Pollution by good Riverbank Management

RIVER MANAGEMENT

Label the two pictures from A - H using the comments written below and then discuss in your group the question at the bottom of the page.

A. Unlimited cattle access leading to pollution and erosion
B. Narrowed channel, clear water full of life
C. Coppicing of river bank trees to increase the number of river plants and decrease over-shading
D. Excess multi-stemmed tree cover leading to over-shading and erosion
E. Alternative drinking points for cattle and a wide wildlife zone that protects the river
F. Clean river gravels crawling with lots of animals
G. Flood resistant fencing to keep cattle out of the river
H. Shallow muddy water in over-widened channel with little wildlife

Question

What might the effects of poor river management be on the river bank and the river wildlife?

You may photocopy materials for classroom use

© Westcountry Rivers Trust 2005