Riparian woodlands are critical to the natural functioning of freshwater ecosystems and form an important habitat in their own right. The interaction between running water, tree roots and fallen wood creates the complex and dynamic aquatic and wetland habitat mosaic needed for characteristic animals and plants to thrive.
This Practice Guide provides advice to forest and woodland owners, managers and planners on creating, designing and managing riparian woodland to protect and enhance riparian and aquatic habitats, in line with the UK Forestry Standard Requirements and Guidelines on Forests and Water.