Latest revision as of 15:25, 28 May 2014

Ruhr Binnerfeld

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Key features of the case study

Site description

The restored site Binnerfeld in the river Ruhr is located in the Federal State of Northrhine-Westfalia in the urban area of the city Arnsberg. The Ruhr in Arnsberg belongs to the NATURA 2000 area, serves as an important place for local recreation and is highly frequented by cyclists, walkers and canoeists. Prior to restoration the river was flowing monotonously in a constrained and narrow planform fixed at the banks by riprap. The main aims of the restoration measures were to restore more natural hydromorphological conditions and to re-establish longitudinal connectivity resulting in a higher morphological and biologcial diversity. Moreover, it aimed to increase the aesthetic value of the river section and to raise people’s awareness of the importance of biodiversity by making nature tangible. Restoration measures were implemented step-by-step from 2007 to 2012 on a total river length of 3.5 km.

Restored site of Ruhr Binnerfeld

Measures selection

Restoration measures conducted:

• removal of bank fixation to initiate bankside erosion
• creation of flood-prone areas
• widening of river bed
• creation of side arms
• restructuring of river bed and banks by sediment addition
• placement of large wood

Success criteria

Ecological response

Hydromorphological response

Monitoring before and after implementation of the project

Socio-economic aspects

The area along the Ruhr serves as an important place for local recreation and is highly frequented by cyclists, walkers and canoeists. Furhtermore cafes and restaurant close to the restored site were built.

Contact person within the organization

Dr. Armin Lorenz

University of Duisburg-Essen, Aquatic Ecology

armin.lorenz@uni-due.de

Extra background information

References

http://www.arnsberg.de/umwelt/wasser/renaturierung_binnerfeld.php

Related Measures

• Add/feed sediment
• Widen water courses
• Allow/increase lateral channel migration or river mobility
• Shallow water courses
• Add sediments
• Initiate natural channel dynamics to promote natural regeneration
• Introduce large wood
• Remove bank fixation
• Recreate gravel bar and riffles
• Adjust land use to develop riparian vegetation
• Remove bank fixation
• Improve backwaters
• Lower river banks or floodplains to enlarge inundation and flooding
• Remove hard engineering structures that impede lateral connectivity
• Set back embankments, levees or dikes
• Retain floodwater

Related Pressures

• Hydrological regime modification
• Artificial barriers downstream from the site
• Artificial barriers upstream from the site
• Embankments, levees or dikes
• Channelisation / cross section alteration