Enhancing river vegetation: conservation, development and restoration

The welcome increase in projects increasing river vegetation prompts theoretical consideration. To restore is to bring back what was there before — but at what period? 1860 to 1940 is suggested, as ‘traditional’. Traditional rivers differ greatly between river types and between rivers: in water, structural and biotic characters, and Sense of Place. Aiming at these, holistically, is aiming at restoration. Aiming at part, or trying to convert rivers to a Standard Recommended river is, at best, enhancement. The latter development lessens the unique variety and special features of rivers that are the heritage of each country.