Interesting facts about riparian forests

What is a riparian forest?

A riparian forest is a forest that lies directly along a river. 

Riparian forests are regularly flooded by annual river floods. This means that only specially adapted trees and plants can live in a riparian forest. 

There are both hardwood and softwood riparian forests. Compared to normal forests, riparian forests have a very high biodiversity. 

What is a softwood riparian forest?

This is the part of the riparian forest that is closer to the river. It is flooded more often and for longer. It is under water for a maximum of 200 days a year. 

Trees here tend to grow quickly. Softwoods such as poplars, alders and willows grow in the softwood riparian forest.

What is a hardwood riparian forest?

This part of the riparian forest is further away from the river and at a higher elevation than the softwood riparian forest. It is only flooded once or twice a year and for no more than 100 days a year. 

Trees grow more slowly here. The hardwood riparian forest is home to hardwoods such as elm, birch, ash, maple and oak. 

Why are riparian forests important for nature conservation?

Riparian forests are home to a wide variety of plants and animals in a very small area. They are the most species-rich habitats in central Europe. 

Riparian forests are also the most endangered habitats in Europe. That is why they are protected all over Europe. 

How does the riparian community depend on the river?

Changing water levels are a sign of healthy riparian landscapes. Recurrent flooding allows different species to colonise. 

The river brings in and takes out sediment, creating new banks and habitats and rejuvenating vegetation. 

The moving water also provides oxygen to the flooded soil even during the growing season. 

Surface structures and habitat conditions are largely determined by the river. The cycle of flooding and drying makes riparian environments very dynamic habitats with a wide range of conditions that merge into one another. 

How do plants and animals adapt to the changing conditions?

Riparian plants can tolerate 'wet feet' for up to 200 days a year. They have flexible branches and streamlined leaves. This prevents them from being swept away by the water. 

Animals have also adapted to the river's rhythm. They alternate their habitat between the banks and the water. They raise their young during the flood season when there is plenty of food. 

Or, like the beaver, they shape their habitat by building dams.

What is the link between floodplains and floods?

Floodplains act as retention areas, providing a natural catchment for flood waters. 

These areas have been lost due to dyke construction around many towns and villages. The water no longer has room to spread. This results in flooding. 

Renaturation (the restoration of natural river landscapes) can help rivers regain their floodplains and reduce damage to people and property. 

Continuous water systems are also important for animals, which use them as migration routes. 

Riparian forests also help the water to clean itself during floods. 

What species can be found in floodplains?

Typical floodplain species include kingfisher, greylag goose, (black) stork, oriole, woodpecker, cuckoo, lapwing, beaver, otter, eel, pike, salmon, tree frog, great crested newt, Daubenton's bat, willow, poplar, rush and reed.

The riparian forest is home to badgers, red foxes, deer, stag beetles, rhinoceros beetles, orioles, black storks, marsh tits, tawny owls, little bitterns and bats.