Channel restructuring and macroinvertebrate diversity in chalk streams

One of the main benefits of river channel restructuring or "restoration" is believed to be that habitat diversity and hence biological diversity is improved. Studies at different spatial scales at 25 sites on English chalk streams shows the claims of diversity improvement to be largely untrue at some scales. The extent and scale at which diversity changes may be detected is assessed in relation to reaches not restructured. The ecological value of channel restructuring and restoration is discussed