1) Terrestrial areas where the vegetation complex and microclimate are products of the combined pressure and influence of perennial and/or intermittent water... and soils that exhibit some wetness characteristics. 2) Zone situated on the bank of a water course such as a river or stream. (Source: DUNSTE / GILP96)

From the perspective of Natural Water Retention Measures (NWRM), maintenance is the set of actions or processes that are performed to keep an already existing natural process functioning in the best possible manner. Maintenance can include physical activities, the planning process and communication.

"Supplementary" measures are those measures designed and implemented in addition to the basic measures, with the aim of achieving the objectives established pursuant to Article 4 of the WFD. Part B of Annex VI contains a non-exclusive list of such measures. Member States may also adopt further supplementary measures in order to provide for additional protection or improvement of the waters covered by this Directive, including in implementation of the relevant international agreements referred to in Article 1.

The channel containing or formerly containing the water of a river. (Source: BJGEO)

Ditch blocking in managed peatland forests can be used to slow water and trap sediment after forest harvesting. The ditches can be made of wood logs or gabions, for example.
- Elaborated 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)

The sloping side of any hollow in the ground, especially when bordering a river. (Source: CED)

Levelling longitudinal barriers allows re-establishing fluvial dynamics and ecological continuity. The aim is to restore the slope and longitudinal profile of the river, to restore natural water flows, to allow for the solid transport (sediment) to take place, toﾠ diversify flows (depth, substrate, speed), diversify habitats and related flora and fauna.
- Based on Stella definitions, adapted by NWRM project experts and validated by the European Commission

Green cover (including cover crops or catch crops) refers to crops planted in late summer or autumn, usually on arable land, to protect the soil, which would otherwise lie bare during the winter, against wind and water erosion.ﾠ Green cover crops also improve the structure of the soil, diversify the cropping system, and mitigate the loss of soluble nutrients.
- Based on Stella definitions, adapted by NWRM project experts and validated by the European Commission

Negative impacts connected with the actual or potential degradation of natural assets or environmental quality due to economic activities.