Channelization and river re-engineering

We must win our rivers back.

After centuries of 'improving' rivers and 'defending' coasts against floods, the developed countries have given their waterfronts a military aspect, dominated by embankments, retaining walls, and concrete ditches. A major reclamation programme is necessary to reclaim our 'channels', 'waterï¾­courses', 'culverts' and 'coastal defences'. Their dignity must be restored, as streams, brooks, rivers and shores. Landscape character plans should be formulated. Rainwater should be infiltrated near to where it falls - or else it should detained near to where it falls, and discharged slowly. Rivers and coasts should be planned, designed and managed. In places, this will require no human intervention: the coast should be as natural as possible. In other places, their scenic and recreational potential should be developed. Rivers and coasts have exceptional scope for contributing to a green web of public open space. Engineering is not enough. Negative environmental impacts should be mitigated. Positive environmental impacts should be planned and designed. Engineers have a major role but, working under local democratic control, they must learn to coï¾­operate with community groups, landscape planners, scientists, ecologists, geologists, landscape designers and architects. Waterfront land is our most valuable land.