River restoration and biodiversity
There is wide variability in the river restoration work undertaken throughout the British Isles. This makes it difficult to assess (a) how restoration is contributing towards ecosystem structure and functioning (and therefore ecosystem health), and (b) whether river restoration is benefiting habitats and species (e.g. those protected under the Habitats Directive) while also enhancing a range of ecosystem services such as the maintenance of sustainable fisheries and reducing flood risk.