Database

Avoid changing the shape of the riverbed

Habitat	Function	Type of work
Forest	Living environment, Nutrient cycle	Drainage

Preserving and creating habitats for significant species ensures greater biodiversity.

Description of the action

If a natural water body is part of a drainage system (e.g., a river), do not change the shape of the riverbed; only remove sediments down to the natural riverbed (bedrock).

Why?

In Estonia, many smaller rivers and streams have been converted into straight drainage ditches, destroying natural riverbeds. Natural riverbeds provide more diverse aquatic habitats than straight ditches.