Nature Based Solutions (NbS) are increasingly promoted as an alternative to conventional hard engineering for managing erosion and improving flood resilience in river systems. Approaches such as riparian revegetation, instream large wood placement, vegetated buffers and bioengineering techniques aim to work with natural processes rather than resist them. These methods can stabilise banks, reduce sediment loss and improve habitat condition, while also delivering broader environmental and social benefits. In practice, NbS may be implemented alone or as hybrid systems that combine ecological measures with structural elements where additional support is required.
The successful application of NbS relies on a strong understanding of river processes and geomorphic context. Vegetation on channels, banks and floodplains plays a critical role in maintaining long-term bank stability and flood resilience, but interventions must also recognise that erosion is a natural component of river behaviour. Effective management therefore requires identifying the underlying drivers of change at the catchment and reach scale, rather than simply treating local symptoms such as bank erosion.
This paper explores how process-based understanding can guide the appropriate selection of NbS. It also discusses the challenges associated with NbS and consideration for their successful implementation.