Database

Leave low trees and shrubs growing along the buffer strip of the water body

Habitat	Function	Type of work
Water bodies	Living environment	Establishment of buffer strips for waterbodies

Buffer strips will be established and maintained along the banks of natural watercourses to maintain biodiversity and ensure ecological connectivity. The recommended width of the buffer strips is 5 metres on average, with an optimum of 1-10 metres.

Description of the action

Leave low trees and shrubs growing in the buffer strip of the water body. You can also create a mature grassy meadow-like community in the buffer strip.

Why?

It is a good idea to leave low trees (e.g. hawthorn, grey alder) and shrubs growing along the buffer strip of the watercourse – they provide better bank stability. The buffer strips provide habitats and movement corridors for birds and mammals.

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