Freshwater systems are the arteries and capillaries of terrestrial landscapes. As such, ecological conditions on land, and the way land is used, can have a significant impact on rivers. Consider the flow of sediments, nutrients and seeds, for example. Land use can play a major role in determining the health of river systems – the agricultural runoff of fertilisers, pesticides, and other chemicals can have a very detrimental impact on riverine conditions and biodiversity.

The more natural the land use in a river catchment or alongside a river is, the more this benefits the water in the river and wild nature associated with it.

Two important impacts for the land to the water are the impact of chemicals running into the river from the land and the removal of deadwood from the riverbanks.

Click on each list item below to learn more about the impact of chemical runoff:

• Reduction in pollutants

  As agricultural and industrial activities diminish, the use of synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, and herbicides decreases. This leads to a significant reduction in chemical runoff into rivers and streams.

• Improved water quality

  With fewer chemicals entering waterways, water quality improves. This results in clearer, cleaner water that supports a healthier ecosystem.

• Enhanced aquatic life

  Cleaner water benefits fish, amphibians, and other aquatic organisms. This can lead to increased biodiversity and more robust populations of native species.

The impact of deadwood in rivers:

• Habitat enhancement

  Deadwood provides critical habitats for a wide variety of aquatic species. Fish, invertebrates, and microorganisms use the wood for shelter, breeding and feeding.

• Nutrient cycling

  As deadwood decomposes, it releases essential nutrients back into the water, supporting the growth of algae and aquatic plants. This process helps to maintain a balanced ecosystem.

• Flow regulation

  Deadwood can slow down water flow, reducing erosion and helping to stabilise riverbanks. It also promotes the formation of natural features such as pools and riffles, which are important for different life stages of aquatic species.

• Biodiversity boost

  The presence of deadwood increases habitat complexity which can support a wider range of species and contribute to overall ecosystem resilience.

Rewilding efforts that incorporate these practices help to restore natural processes and improve the health of rivers, leading to revitalised and resilient waterscapes.