Shoreline restoration promotes recreational use

Many shores lose their openness gradually. Reed beds expand, the shore becomes shallower and soft silt builds up at the bottom. Could restoration make a difference?

The reason for plant overgrowth along shorelines is usually excessive input of nutrients and solids in the water. This causes eutrophication, and the shore becomes shallower. Land uplift and the fact that shores are no longer grazed as they once were may also speed up this development.

Shoreline restoration can make the shore more attractive and improve the possibilities for its recreational use. The restoration must be planned well and carried out with care, however, as shoreline areas are important habitats for many species.

Permanent changes can only be achieved by reducing the amount of pollutants entering the water. Soil erosion must be prevented in nearby areas and nutrients and sediments carried from fields and forests should be retained. Owners of shoreline properties must also take care that no nutrients leach into the water from their properties.

Reed beds can be controlled by mowing, which also removes nutrients from the lake when the mowed reeds are collected and taken away. However, all vegetation should not be cleared along the shoreline as plants provide shelter, food and breeding sites for many animals living in water or on the shore. A better option is to mow only selected patches.

If the shore is severely affected by plant overgrowth across large areas, dredging could be considered. This is a heavy-handed measure that may cause major harms, however: it can increase water turbidity and release nutrients and harmful substances from the sediment as well as destroy fish spawning grounds.

In all shore restoration projects, it is important to work together with other residents along the shore and also take care of the notifications and permits required by the authorities. The first step is to contact the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centre) of your region.