A review of lake shoreline restoration techniques

Mackay, E.B. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5697-7062; Gunn, I.D.M. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1473-5097; Carvalho, L. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9768-9902. 2022 A review of lake shoreline restoration techniques. Lancaster, UK, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, 95pp. (Unpublished)

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Abstract/Summary

•Lake shorelines are a diverse range of habitats which form the transition between terrestrial and open water. These habitats perform essential functions for lake ecosystems and contribute to the healthy functioning of physical, chemical and biological processes in lakes, when in good condition. The role of shorelines is often overlooked and their habitats can be subject to significant pressure both from land use change on the terrestrial side and impacts of human activities on in-lake ecosystems, such as eutrophication. As a result, it is likely that many lake shorelines are not in a good condition and their potential to contribute to halting biodiversity decline and improving the natural functioning of lake ecosystems more widely is currently unmet. •Lake shoreline restoration, as a field, has received significantly less attention than that of restoration of lake water quality and river restoration (which usually includes both the channel and riparian habitats). Knowledge of lake shoreline restoration techniques and their successful application is largely limited to individual studies. The aim of this project is to collate available information on shoreline restoration methods that could facilitate the recovery of shoreline habitats and natural processes. •An evidence review was carried out using a variety of sources. We reviewed studies in the published and grey literature, carried out an online survey of experts in the field and undertook structured interviews with practitioners and experts.(see Appendix 1 & 2) Information gained from these sources was categorised into a number of restoration techniques and key information summarised on the effectiveness of measures for biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, the application of techniques, cost-effectiveness, long-term maintenance, ease of deployment or construction, other impacts or considerations needed for application, climate change resilience and knowledge gaps. In addition, case studies of the applications of different techniques were identified and summarised. •Techniques covered in this review include reedbed, fen and swamp creation/ restoration, removal of riparian/ scrub woodland, water level management, artificial floating islands, soft engineering, coarse woody debris, recreational access restrictions and reducing the impact of animals. A Review of Lake Shoreline Restoration Techniques UKCEH report version 5.0 2 •A wide range of techniques have been identified that address a range of pressures on lake shorelines, however, available evidence on the application and effectiveness of specific techniques varies substantially. More evidence is available on the creation/ restoration of reedbeds and soft engineering approaches, than for impacts and remediation of drainage – especially of adjoining shoreline wetlands, or the management of recreational access, for example. •Our review found that investment in good initial design work was essential for the long-term effectiveness of measures. This includes a thorough understanding of site-specific issues and identifying and adequately addressing wider system pressures such as eutrophication prior to carrying out interventions at the shoreline. Adopting best-practice approaches and decision support frameworks from experience in river restoration could benefit the field. Wider skills and information sharing between practitioners could also improve restoration outcomes. The design and use of adequate monitoring strategies is considered essential, although in many examples this has not been undertaken to identify how measures work and their long-term effectiveness. •Note that this project links to a related project commissioned by Natural England on the loss of lake wetland habitats.

Item Type:	Publication - Report
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Environmental Pressures and Responses (2025-) Unaffiliated
Funders/Sponsors:	Natural England
NORA Subject Terms:	Earth Sciences Ecology and Environment Hydrology
Date made live:	28 Mar 2025 15:03 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/539179

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