Bakenhof - Dyke relocation
Bakenhof - Dyke relocation
Key features of the case study
Site description
The Nederrijn (or Lower Rhine) is a branch of the Dutch part of the Rhine river. It starts at the city of Arnhem, near the site of this project, and continues up to the city of Wijk bij Duursteden where the river continues as the river Lek. Along the Nederrijn on the outskirts of Arnhem a number of floodplains are situated on the southern bank. On the northern bank there is an entrance to a harbour. The southern floodplains were largely cut off from river dynamics due to a laterally placed dyke. Also, river banks were fixated and groins were placed in the channel to keep it open for navigational purposes.
Measures selection
To increase the available natural area and to promote natural processes the dyke on the southern side of the river was relocated 200 meters inland over a reach of 1,4 kilometres. This meant that a number of previously agricultural lands were claimed for natural development. Also, a side channel was dug to increase the lateral connection to the floodplains. This side channel was created by creating two openings in the old dyke and deepening the floodplain between the new and the old dyke. This led to an artificial channel without bank fixation where natural processes like erosion and sedimentation can take place.
Success criteria
Ecological response
Hydromorphological response
Monitoring before and after implementation of the project
Socio-economic aspects
Contact person within the organization
Extra background information
References
Related Measures
- Set back embankments, levees or dikes
- Adjust land use to reduce nutrient, sediment input or shore erosion
- Reconnect backwaters and wetlands
- Remove bank fixation
- Construct semi-natural/articificial wetlands or aquatic habitats
