In the past, rivers flows have been modified through channelisation, embankments or modification of river beds. Those modifications were aiming at flood prevention or supporting changes of agricultural practices for example. This has led to uniformed flows in the rivers and often having effect on the water time transfers. Current practices for revitalisation of flowing waters are trying to create the conditions for diversifying the water flows, inducing more diversity in habitats for fauna but also increasing the water time transfers in order to prevent flash floods in the downstream areas for example.
- Based on Stella definitions, adapted by NWRM project experts and validated by the European Commission

Planting and maintaining tree cover in near-stream areas can have multiple benefits including erosion and nutrient leaching control. They will also slow the stream velocity during high flow flood events and may have beneficial effects on stream temperature. Maintaining treed forest buffers during clearcutting can help minimizing the adverse effects of forestry on water quality and may have additional biodiversity benefits.
- Based on Stella definitions, adapted by NWRM project experts and validated by the European Commission

The reconstitution of the alluvial mattress consists in leveling-up the river bed and/or reactivating the bank erosion in order to stop the incision of the river bed. It can allow better connection with side arms, level-up the water level at low flow periods, diversifying flows (depth, substrate, speed), diversify habitats and increase retention times.
- Based on Stella definitions, adapted by NWRM project experts and validated by the European Commission

MAR is the purposeful recharge of water to aquifers for subsequent recovery and environmental benefit. Within the context of urban environment, MAR covers the injection and infiltration of captured stormwater ﾖ as such, it is linked to SuDS measures such as rainwater harvesting and infiltration techniques, but worth differentiating as a case where the primary purpose is to increase recharge to aquifers in addition to attenuating surface runoff,Mechanisms used to undertake the recharge should be highlighted. In this respect one can envisage:(i) surface structures to facilitate/augment recharge (such as soakways and infiltration basins);(ii) subsurface indirect recharge - artificial recharge is undertaken through wells drilled within the unsaturated zone;(iii) subsurface direct recharge - artificial recharge is undertaken through wells reaching the saturated zone.The regulatory approach to be adopted for each of the above three mechanisms could differ considerably, due to the fact that the level of natural protection to groundwater is vastly different for each of the mechanisms.
- Based on Stella definitions, adapted by NWRM project experts and validated by the European Commission

Traditional terraces consist of nearly level platforms built along contour lines of slopes, mostly sustained by stone walls, used for farming on hilly terrain.ﾠ When properly built and well maintained, terraces can reduce erosion and surface run-off by slowing rainwater to a non-erosive velocity.ﾠ So-called traditional terracing involves less disturbance of the terrain than modern terracing, as it does not involve significant levelling or cutting using heavy machinery.ﾠ
- Based on Stella definitions, adapted by NWRM project experts and validated by the European Commission

Meadows are areas or fields whose main vegetation is grass, or other non-woody plants, used for mowing and haying.ﾠ Pastures are grassed or wooded areas, moorland or heathland, generally used for grazing. Due to their rooted soils and their permanent cover, meadows and pastures provide good conditions for the uptake and storage of water during temporary floods. They also protect water quality by trapping sediments and assimilating nutrients.
- Based on Stella definitions, adapted by NWRM project experts and validated by the European Commission

"Approaches to manage surface water that take account of water quantity (flooding), water quality (pollution)ﾠ and amenity issues are collectively referred to as Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS).
SuDS mimic nature and typically manage rainfall close to where it falls. SuDS can be designed to slow water down (attenuate) before it enters ﾠstreams, rivers and other watercourses, they provide areas to store water in natural contours and can be used to allow water to soak (infiltrate) into the ground or evaporated from surface water and lost or transpired from vegetation (known as evapotranspiration)." (Source: susdrain)

Ponds or pools with additional storage capacity to attenuate surface runoff during rainfall events.ﾠ Retention time of runoff can provide the capacity to remove pollutants through sedimentation and opportunity for biological uptake of nutrients.
- Based on Stella definitions, adapted by NWRM project experts and validated by the European Commission

The management of land to minimise soil erosion to maintain soil and water resources, and provide sustainable benefits in the long term.

Reduced stocking density will limit soil compaction, thereby facilitating more rapid infiltration during precipitation events and potentially reducing peak flows and sediment runoff.
- Elaborated by NWRM project experts and validated by the European Commission