Rivers on rich geological strata are of international importance due to their assemblages of species
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Rivers and Streams
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Rivers are dynamic systems, which in their natural state continually modify their form. However, few rivers in the UK have not been physically modified by man. Flood defence works, impoundments, canalisation and removal of bankside tree cover has reduced the ability of rivers to create and rejuvenate new habitats and have altered patterns of sedimentation and flooding.
Rivers and streams have a diverse range of features, like riffles, shingle banks and pools, which each support a diverse range of plant and animal species. These channel features are complemented by a range of bank features, such as earth or rock cliffs, stands of reeds or herb-rich grasslands.
This section covers the following habitats:
- Clay rivers
- Lowland rivers with minimal gradients, in England
- Rivers on rich geological strata in Scotland and northern England
- Rivers on sandstone, mudstone and hard limestone in England and Wales
- Mesotrophic rivers downstream from oligotrophic catchments
- Oligo-mesotrophic rivers, predominantly upland
- Oligotrophic rivers of mountains and moorlands
- Ultra-oligotrophic rivers in mountains
For further information please see the document for download on this page.
