Status of the gravel island and gravel bench – April 2025

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Within the project Status improvement of wetland of Klátovské rameno NNR located in SKUEV0075, a technical intervention was implemented in a previous phase consisting of the construction of an artificial gravel island and a gravel bench (bank) within the riverbed of the Klátovské rameno. The objective of these geomorphological modifications was to intensify water flow, promote the transport of sediments from the riverbed, and simultaneously create diverse habitats for wetland fauna and flora, in particular for waterfowl.

Site condition in April 2025

Almost one year after the implementation of these measures, the condition of the gravel island and the gravel bar is assessed through regular field monitoring surveys. As of April 2025, the site is in a remarkably favourable ecological condition:

Both the gravel island and the gravel bar are stable and functionally integrated into local hydrological conditions, with their spatial position and structural stability confirmed by visual inspections and mapping observations.
Vegetation has successfully adapted and developed optimally within the planned vegetation community types. On the gravel substrates, natural succession typical of wetland environments has occurred, including the establishment of hygrophilous herbs and grass stands that are gradually covering the gravel surfaces.
Colonisation of the habitats by bird species is progressing dynamically – nesting sites of swans have been recorded on the island, using shallow-water zones and riparian vegetation for nesting and protection of offspring.
The observed increase in biodiversity is fully consistent with the ecological objectives of wetland restoration, aimed at restoring the natural functions of the Natura 2000 site SKUEV0075 and supporting sustainable wetland communities.

Significance of the achieved results

The construction of the artificial gravel island and gravel bar represents a successful application of engineering–geomorphological measures with clear ecological benefits, including:

enhanced water flow in critical sections of the river channel, leading to reduced deposition of fine sediments and improved riverbed quality;
the creation of new microhabitats supporting wetland biodiversity, including nesting and feeding areas for waterfowl;
positive indications of spontaneous biodiversity development (e.g. swan nesting sites), with potential for direct use of the area for environmental education and public awareness activities.

Outlook for future periods

The project continues with the identification and evaluation of further measures aimed at the long-term stabilisation of the wetland regime of the Klátovské rameno in the context of climate change and hydrological variability. Continued monitoring of vegetation and fauna, including bird species, will remain a key parameter for assessing the long-term effectiveness of the geomorphological interventions implemented at the site.

Aerial photos of the location: