New life for our rivers

Europe's dams are being removed at record-breaking speed - freeing rivers and restoring healthy habitats

- Graeme Green

LAST YEAR SAW THE REMOVAL OF MORE dams, weirs, culverts, levees and other river barriers in Europe than ever before, according to Dam Removal Europe's (DRE) annual report, with 487 removed across the continent, compared to 325 in 2022. This action has reconnected 4,300km of healthy river habitat, allowing rivers to flow freely and migratory fish to reach breeding areas, as well as dispersing sediments and nutrients.