We took part in the final seminar of the Rivers of LIFE project in Järvsö, where we also presented the work carried out by LIFE IP CleanEST on the Purtse River – the removal of legacy pollution, fish restocking and the removal of migration barriers.

Although the projects operate in different countries, they have a lot in common. One important message stood out in particular: nature needs to be given the space to do its work. River restoration is not only about restoring individual species or habitats, but also about restoring natural processes that help the entire ecosystem function better.

Our Swedish colleagues also highlighted something that we know well in Estonia: good restoration work is not achieved with an excavator alone. Communication with landowners and local communities, and building trust, are just as important as the technical work carried out in the river.

We also had the opportunity to exchange experiences and contacts with restoration practitioners from Scotland, Slovakia and Wales.

Lots of good ideas, new contacts and confirmation that although rivers and projects may be different, many of the principles of nature restoration are the same.

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