Wild Guides: STick to Paths To HELP Rivers

Riverbanks are more than just edges to a stream; they are living, breathing habitats that support a huge range of wildlife. From nesting birds and flowering plants to water voles and invertebrates, riverbanks are home to some of our most vulnerable species.

But these fragile edges are under threat. Erosion, trampling, and footfall off-path can quickly damage riverbanks, leading to collapsed banks, degraded water quality, and lost habitat.

Why Riverbank Erosion Matters

When people or livestock repeatedly walk along the edge of a river, it compacts the soil, crushes vegetation, and weakens the bank. This allows rainwater and river flow to wash away the soil, widening the river and increasing sediment in the water.

This sediment clouds the water and can smother fish eggs, invertebrates, and aquatic plants. It also destroys the shallow, vegetated margins where many species live and feed.

Over time, this erosion can lead to:

• Loss of habitat for species like water voles, kingfishers, and dragonflies

• Increased flood risk downstream

• Worse water quality for wildlife and people

How You Can Help

Stay on designated paths when walking near rivers, lakes, and wetlands. Even a few steps off-path can cause long-term damage.

• Use gates and stiles rather than climbing fences or walking across soft ground.

• Keep dogs on leads near water during nesting season (March to August), to avoid disturbing birds that nest in the margins.

• Support or volunteer for local riverbank restoration projects that replant native vegetation and stabilise banks.

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