Bureau Waardenburg

Conservation & management
Research into natural riverbanks

During the last few decades, natural riverbanks have been established along many of the Dutch waterways. Generally, conventional riverbanks bordering most canalized waterways in Holland are very steep and straight, with very poor demarcation lines. Bureau Waardenburg conducts research for monitoring programmes in order to observe the development of flora and fauna on natural riverbanks. Apart from surveys on aquatic invertebrates, we also do surveys on vegetation, fish, amphibians, birds and mammals. Surveys on aquatic invertebrates clearly show that natural riverbanks contain much more biodiversity than conventional riverbanks. The diversity of aquatic invertebrates increases and the occurrence of rare species becomes more likely.

In addition to doing research into the development of flora and fauna on riverbanks, our specialists are also consulted for advice on nature restoration plans and the materials to be used in these.