New guidance on riparian tree management in the River Wye catchment

Trees and woody material alongside rivers provide shade, support wildlife, improve bank stability and play an important role in natural river processes. They can also contribute to slowing the flow of water during high river levels.

We are sharing guidance developed by Natural England on the management of riparian trees and woody debris. The guidance recognises the important role that riverside trees play in supporting river health, while also setting out how management can be undertaken where needed for conservation, flood risk, or navigation purposes.

The document provides practical advice for planning and carrying out riverside management works on protected sites and will be of interest to land managers, practitioners and organisations working across the River Wye catchment. You can view the guidance here: Guidelines for riparian tree management