Report from REFORM Summer School (Wageningen, Netherlands)

Dr. Tomáš Galia and Dr. Václav Škarpich participated to Summer School 'Restoring Regulated Streams linking Theory and Practice' (link). It was organized by REFORM (REstoring rivers FOR effective catchment Management - see link). The Summer School was realized for 3-day programme from June 27 to June 29, 2015. 

Day 1st (June 27, 2015) started with an introduction and field visit of two contrasting stream restoration, namely: (i) Restoration programme Leuvenumse and Hiederse Beek, (ii) Stream restoration project Lunterse Beek.

 Fig. 1: Floodplain reconnection (for fish population - reconnection to spawning area) - Leuvenumse and Hiederse Beek.

Fig. 2: Feeding-sand (sand suppletion into the river channel) - Leuvenumse and Hiederse Beek.

 Fig. 3: Accumulated sand from feeding-sand (man affected sand suppletion) - Leuvenumse and Hiederse Beek.

 Fig. 4: Addition of wood into the river channel system - Leuvenumse and Hiederse Beek.

 Fig. 5: Addition of wood into the river channel system - Leuvenumse and Hiederse Beek.

 Fig. 6: Stream restoration of the Lunterse Beek.

 

Day 2nd (June 28, 2015) offered the theoretical background of assessing hydromorphological modification of streams and rivers and identifying appropriate restoration measures considering the socioeconomic context. The main topics were presented by: Prof. Ian Cowx, Prof. Angela Gurnell, Prof. Massimo Rinaldi, Dr Christian Wolter, Dr Nikolai Friberg, Dr Jochem Kail and  Dr Gertjan Geerling (see link to lectures video).

Fig. 7: First lecture about 'Planning Stream and River Restoration and Cost-
Benefit Analysis' performed by Prof. Ian Cowx.

 

Day 3rd (June 29, 2015) was be given a case study and work in groups to plan of restoration schemes based on the practices from previous field visit and theoretical background from lectures. The day was finished by presenting of restoration scheme by each group.