Create a wildlife fringe round your riverbank:
This will help in providing crucial cover and foraging areas for mammals and bird life. Ideally a fringe of 2m should be left to develop naturally. You may wish to add colour and increase diversity by planting attractive riverbank species such as the yellow iris. Some weeding of the invasive Himalayan balsam may be necessary to increase the floral diversity.
Construct a Pond at the edge of your garden:
This will serve as a necessary inland refuge for frogs, newts, water voles and a whole range of invertebrate fauna
Leave an area of the lawn to grow and develop as a riverside meadow:
This will provide a thriving habitat for dragonflies, butterflies, frogs, newts and small mammals. Ideally mow just twice a year in spring and autumn. (See leaflet No.2 for more information)
Install a wood perch to attract kingfishers:
to your area of the river - a prime place from which they can catch fish for prey
Place a log on the riverbank to draw otters:
to come and mark their territory and establish a home near you. The logs will also act as a habitat pile for a multitude of invertebrates.