Centuries of river modification, particularly straightening and incision, have severely reduced lateral connectivity between rivers and their floodplains. As a result, Stage 0 riverscapes, characterised by high lateral connectivity (e.g., anastomosing or wetland riverscapes), are now rare in anthropogenic landscapes. Restoration to a Stage 0 condition is gaining international momentum but remains relatively untested, particularly in human-modified landscapes with novel constraints and challenges. Here, we provide a perspective on lessons learnt from restoration to Stage 0 in anthropogenically constrained settings. We draw on experience from the design, construction, and monitoring of two UK restoration projects, among the first valley-floor reset rivers in Europe: the River Aller and the River Witham. Through infilling incised channels and regrading the floodplain, valley-floor reset transformed the single-thread, incised channels into multi-thread, river- wetlandscapes and substantially increased river-floodplain connectivity. In response, the water table elevation rose by about 1 m and baseflow wetted width increased by 9- to 20-fold; for example, average baseflow wetted width at the Aller increased from 4 to 81 m (maximum baseflow width increased from 7 to 147 m). We summarise six lessons learnt: (1) Restoring dynamic riverscapes means embracing uncertainty and navigating societal expectations, (2) Stage 0 and valley-floor reset are not appropriate everywhere: informed restoration is required, (3) Space exists for restoring river lateral connectivity, even in anthropogenically-constrained catchments, (4) Interrupting long-profile connectivity with grade-control structures needs careful design, (5) Restoring lateral connectivity creates multi-functional landscapes for water, wildlife and people, and (6) Structured, transdisciplinary research is needed to align restoration of natural processes with societal needs in a changing climate, and unlock the potential of river lateral connectivity to enhance biodiversity, river ecosystem services and climate resilience.

High, often nutrient-enriched, sediment loads in highly modified agricultural landscapes cause great ecological damage to receiving surface waters and expense in water resource management. With their unique dam-building behaviour, the return of beavers (Castoridae) to their former ranges provides channel restoration and eroded sediment trapping potential. However, rates of sedimentation in beaver wetlands vary widely between studies. Further, as rates have generally been determined by averaging multi-year deposit thickness, finer temporal scale sedimentation dynamics and causal relationships are poorly understood. We build upon a previous proof-of-concept study using sonar to monitor changes in the thickness of sediment and organic matter deposits in beaver ponds, over distances of metres and timescales of months. These spatial and temporal resolutions are finer than those previously published for active beaver ponds.Of the five study ponds in three separate enclosed beaver cascades in south-west England, three showed net sediment accretion and two ponds showed net erosion during the study. Total Carbon and Total Nitrogen content were higher than similar non-beaver ponds. All ponds showed spatial (<= 5 m) and temporal (within 2-4 months) variation in accretion and erosion rates. The position of ponds in the beaver dam cascades, and the maximum antecedent rainfall accounted for 76% of the variation in average daily elevation change. All ponds showed net accretion between surveys with rainfall intensity <12 mm hr-1. Above this intensity, first ponds in the cascades increasingly showed net erosion, whereas second ponds showed negligible change, and the third pond in a sequence showed increasing accretion. The results help explain the impacts and dynamics of sediment and associated carbon and nutrient storage in beaver wetlands. Future research can build on these findings over a wider range of non-enclosed, wild beaver cascades to test hypotheses around beaver wetlands' potential to mitigate sediment and nutrient transport, particularly in intensively managed catchments.

Small, steep, rapidly responding catchments are vulnerable to flash flooding, as intense, short-duration rainfall events generate rapid rises in high-magnitude flows, posing significant risks to life and infrastructure. This study aimed to quantify the hydrological effectiveness of Natural Flood Management (NFM) interventions in such catchments. A systematic, high-frequency hydrological monitoring network comprising 16 water depth data loggers and four rain gauges was established across five catchments in south-west England, where multiple, spatially distributed NFM measures were implemented. Intervention effects were evaluated using a site-dependent combination of Control–Impact (CI) and Before–After Control–Impact (BACI) approaches, alongside event-based data extraction over monitoring periods of 15–36 months, capturing a total of 662 flood events. Event Peak Flow (EPF) analyses showed statistically significant attenuation across monitoring designs, with CI comparisons indicating median absolute reductions of ∼0.04–0.58 m3 s−1. NFMs also increased flood event lag times, with median extensions of ∼7 to 50% across sites, with strongest effects observed where diverse, densely implemented measures were hydraulically connected to dominant runoff pathways. Seasonal performance varied according to antecedent moisture and hydraulic activation thresholds, with storage-dominated NFM approaches exhibiting consistent attenuation across dry conditions, while leaky barrier-based approaches were primarily threshold-driven and event-controlled. Event-scale Peak Flow Reduction for CI approaches (PFR-CI) ranged from ∼20% to 80% across exceedance probabilities, with only marginal evidence of reduced attenuation for higher-magnitude events (≤5% exceedance probability), highlighting potential hydraulic and storage-related constraints. Collectively, these findings provide robust empirical evidence that well-integrated NFMs can deliver measurable flood-risk benefits in small, rapidly responding catchments, highlighting the importance of catchment-specific design, long-term monitoring and consideration of antecedent conditions to optimise NFM performance.

Understanding how changes in catchment conditions affect ecohydrology in response to rainfall-runoff events is crucial when developing informed strategies to enhance flow resilience, restore natural habitats, interpret water quality data or reduce flood risk. This can be undertaken through evaluation of impacts on peak flows or flow attenuation within headwater to meso-scale catchments, extracting rainfall-runoff events from sub-hourly flow and rain timeseries data. Where sub-hourly insight is needed due to the scale of headwater catchments and their rapid flow response. Detailed documentation of a standardised event extraction methodology for sub-hourly flow time series and its applications is limited, and existing common methods have the potential to introduce bias. To address these needs, we present a methodology for event extraction alongside case studies detailing how it has been used to evidence change in hydrological function in relation to several restoration strategies and catchment intervention measures. A workflow is outlined for the delineation and extraction of rainfall-runoff event periods linking key hydrograph metrics, such as antecedent conditions and lag-times, using sub-hourly rainfall and flow observations. Across the case studies, noticeable impact was seen, with peatland restoration reducing peak flows by 49%, leaky dams and beaver dams reducing peak flows by 23% and importantly for water quality, showing that catchment measures which attenuate flows and reduce stormflow peaks can be very beneficial. The outputs of this work have had real world impact, informing catchment management strategies, demonstrating the value of a systematic approach that could be widely adopted across catchments of different typologies.

Patterns and variability in the concentration-discharge relationship may be used to describe the complex interactions and combined effects of catchment processes affecting sources, mobilisation and transport of contaminants. Many concentration-discharge relationships display temporal variability on diurnal, event, seasonal and annual scales. This has been widely demonstrated through both routine regular sampling and targeted storm sampling.The set-up costs of high frequency in-situ river and reservoir sensors is high, and operation and maintenance of a wide network is both time and resource intensive and the conditions for operation (e.g. environmental conditions, signal, power) are rarely ideal. Yet with technological advances and the growth in availability of high-frequency is-situ water quality sensors, the complexity of the water quality response to changes in flow, across multiple timescales, has become increasingly evident. The observed dynamics during events, and range of hysteresis patterns displayed, shows that the sources of contaminates, mechanisms for mobilisation, and transport times are highly variable both spatially and temporally. Furthermore, seasonal and interannual controls on catchment functioning are seen to result in pronounced differences in the behaviour of parameters between sites, and between individual events at the same site.This study shows how routine high-frequency data, collected with an operational focus for source protection and in raw water at drinking water treatment works, provide opportunities when trying to identify sources and pathways for contaminants. Despite challenges, these data support the development of a baseline understanding for water quality within a specific catchment or region, and provide insight into catchment specific event-driven dynamics. In catchments where routinely collected data is the only source of multiannual high-frequency water quality data, these data may be crucial in building understanding of long term (decadal) variability and trends; in particular, gaining understanding the changing interactions and effects due to extremes in seasonal patterns across different years. However, the key limitations in the use of these data include undefined uncertainties and missing data, monitoring design, and limited metadata. Therefore, building on initial analysis of routine data, efficient monitoring campaigns for targeted research can be designed to investigate any previously unexplored or unidentified processes and pathways.This study is part of a wider programme of research on the identification of sources and pathways for contaminants of concern in catchments supplying drinking water in the south west of the UK, and how water quality dynamics are impacted by meteorological and catchment conditions, including atypical events. It supports work on increasing resilience in drinking water source areas and reducing treatment demands and costs, through improving understanding of how water quality in rivers and reservoirs is affected by landscape and farm-based catchment interventions.

ABSTRACT Bridge owners and regulatory agencies have a duty to assess risks derived from hydraulic actions including scour, uplift, drag, debris impact, deck displacement, and other consequences that can lead to a loss in the load carrying capacity of a bridge. In the UK, the CS469 (Management of scour and other hydraulic actions at highway structures) is the standard for the assessment of hydraulic actions to highway bridges. The methodology in CS469 for the calculation of the hydraulic characteristics of the flow at critical cross‐sections within the channel and the bridge crossing, although simplistic by design to minimize computational effort, is intrinsically inaccurate since it makes use of unrealistic (i.e., non‐physically based) approximations. This results in estimations of risk and vulnerability levels that could include high levels of uncertainty. In this paper, we propose to bypass these approximated hydraulic calculations by harnessing the computational power of 2D hydraulic models, which would not require any additional field data collection than needed for the original CS469 method. We recommend a fully 2D HEC‐RAS model with the inclusion of bridges as 1D elements within the flow areas and only requiring publicly available data or data obtained from existing assessments in order to future‐proof the approaches and adhere to an open‐source/open‐access philosophy, but also imposing only a marginal increase in cost for bridge management teams. Results from the two models—2D HEC‐RAS and the existing approach in CS469, are compared for a number of real‐world bridges. The comparisons show that the estimations by HEC‐RAS are substantially higher for water depth (up to 138%) and lower for flow velocity (down by 58%). When these values are applied to the estimation of hydraulic vulnerability and scour risk, the differences are significant. Scour depths with the use of HEC‐RAS models are typically much lower (up to 3.9 m, and on average 1.7 m) than with simplified hydraulic equations, and this translates into lower (yet, more appropriate) scour risk levels. Hydraulic vulnerability to submergence of the assessed bridges is also assessed very differently, typically higher by the 2D model method. Overall, the results show that 2D numerical hydraulic simulations present a much more accurate estimation than existing methods, better balancing risks deriving from scour and hydrodynamic actions and with comparable effort and data requirements. The model displays consistency across an exhaustive set of simulations for a range of variables and bridges, showing limited variability and proneness to errors, whilst values estimated by CS469 are in most cases significantly different. Future versions of CS469 and similar documents should prioritize this methodology to provide a more accurate and realistic risk estimation.

Pine martens were present in south-west England until the late 19(th) century. As part of a long-term strategy for recovery, a reintroduction is taking place in the "Two Moors Pine Marten Project." With an approach adapted from a prior translocation in Wales, we used Q-methodology to develop rich insights into perspectives of key interest-holders in the region. Three perspectives are identified: two favorable to reintroduction, primarily for ecological restoration, and one opposed, with concerns for impacts on vulnerable wildlife and poultry. We highlight a risk of polarization, so are supportive of engagement approaches that bring together practitioners and interest groups. We discuss divergent understandings of predation in the landscape as a key element in this reintroduction, requiring ecological monitoring and communication of outcomes. Finally, we advocate for the uptake of social feasibility study prior to reintroduction and argue it should be given equal importance to ecological feasibility assessments.

Our landscapes and watercourses face intense pressures from climate extremes, land use change, declining biodiversity and increased demand for water resources. It is increasingly proposed that by working with natural processes, Nature-based Solutions (NbS) can increase resilience to these pressures, providing multiple environmental and societal benefits.Beavers are the archetypal ecosystem engineers and keystone species, which can profoundly alter ecosystem structure and function, creating complex wetland environments (Brazier et al., 2021). Research has shown the return of the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) to European landscapes can provide multiple benefits including for biodiversity and water resource management (Puttock et al., 2021). However, beaver activity such as damming and tree-felling within our intensively managed and populated landscapes can also conflict with existing land use (Auster et al., 2019). Therefore, management and policy frameworks are required which mitigate conflicts and maximise the NbS benefits beavers can bring.The Making Space for Water Programme (Barclay et al., 2023) will be introduced, which aims to support land managers to build a network of nature rich wetlands across South West England. This project led by Devon Wildlife Trust, in partnership with the University of Exeter and local landowners is the first of its kind in the UK, aiming to work with wild beavers to deliver natural solutions to address societal challenges. Case studies will be presented discussing how geospatial mapping and modelling, stakeholder engagement and green finance approaches are being implemented to make catchments ‘beaver ready’, target financial support and enable NbS to deliver significant and lasting benefits. It is hoped that the approach adopted in this project alongside discussion of challenges and benefits can contribute towards progress in the mainstreaming of nature-led NbS approaches.ReferencesAuster, R. E., Puttock, A., & Brazier, R. (2019). Unravelling perceptions of Eurasian beaver reintroduction in Great Britain. Area, area.12576. https://doi.org/10.1111/area.12576Barclay, H., Holden, M., Puttock, A., & Burgess, P. (2023) Making Space for Water: Investing in nature-based solutions with beavers. https://www.flipsnack.com/devonwildlifetrust/dwt-beaver-green-finance-programme/full-view.htmlBrazier, R. E., Puttock, A., Graham, H. A., Auster, R. E., Davies, K. H. & Brown, C. M. . (2021). Beaver: Nature’s ecosystem engineers. WIREs Water. DOI:10.1002/wat2.1494Puttock, A., Graham, H. A., Ashe, J., Luscombe, D. J. & Brazier, R. E. (2021). Beaver dams attenuate flow: A multi‐site study. Hydrological Processes, 35(2), e14017. DOI:10.1002/hyp.14017

This study addresses an evidence gap on the restoration potential of climatically marginal shallow peatlands by investigating short-term (five years post-rewetting) effects of ditch blocking on runoff and water quality. Results from two sites in south-west England (UK) showed reductions in peak flows ranging from 29 % to 32 % after rewetting, indicating modifications of rainfall-runoff regime in these catchments as a consequence of rewetting. In addition, a statistically significant reduction in total rainfall-runoff event discharge was observed at one of the study sites. The findings suggest an increase in the temporary storage of flow during rainfall-runoff events and an overall attenuation of storm hydrographs. Water quality responses to rewetting did not show any significant change in either DOC or colour concentrations during rainfall-runoff events. It is likely that such behaviour is due to the spatially limited success of rewetting interventions in significantly raising water tables in these shallow peatlands, and thus to a limited reduction in decomposition of vegetation and peat. No significant changes in DOC loads (normalised by rainfall) leaving the catchments were observed either. It is possible that a longer post-rewetting period will be needed to see any change in water quality, as vegetation responds in the longer (> 5 years) term.

Natural flood management strategies (NFMs) encompass a variety of measures implemented across catchments to mitigate flood risks while providing multiple benefits. In recent years, NFMs have gained increasing attention from researchers and policymakers. However, despite the growing body of research, there remains a lack of a critical review that quantitatively synthesises the reported performance of different NFMs by analysing their effects on key hydrological parameters. To address this gap, we conducted a systematic review of NFMs based on 145 peer-reviewed papers covering 216 case studies across 37 countries, following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Our analysis moves from a descriptive overview of the evidence base to a novel, quantitative investigation of three critical themes: the characteristics of studied NFM schemes, the methodologies used for their assessment, and their quantitative hydrological performance and its influencing factors. Results indicate that 31% of the studies identified flood peak reduction as the most commonly targeted hydrological objective. A significant positive correlation was found between intervention diversity and intensity (Spearman's ρ  = 0.53). Furthermore, our methodological analysis reveals a critical trade-off in the literature, with empirical monitoring typically used in small catchments over shorter durations, while modelling is used to assess a greater diversity of interventions at larger scales, with truly combined approaches being notably rare (11%). Notably, river and floodplain management (RFM) demonstrated higher effectiveness, achieving an average flood peak reduction of 30%, particularly in larger catchments. Bearing the often multi-faceted aims of NFMs in mind, this paper provides key suggestions for future research.

The Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) is being reintroduced to Great Britain after an absence of ~400 years. Beavers are well known for their considerable engineering capabilities. Given the right conditions, beavers construct dams, excavate channels and maintain wetlands. These changes have been demonstrated to have a significant impact upon hydrological extremes in the English environment. There is the potential for beaver re-introduction to have a transformative impact as a widespread nature-based solution (NBS). However, there is a need for policy and management relevant understanding at a national level. Funded by the Environment Agency in England, the aim of this study was to use a modelling approach to be able to estimate how catchments in England may respond to extreme events following the re-introduction of beavers. To accomplish this, we have applied the 2D version of the hydraulic model HEC-RAS to sites across England. Sites were selected that had the potential for beavers to construct dams. Beaver dams are represented within HEC-RAS by digitising a series of weirs intersected by culverts, allowing water to leak through the dam as well as overtopping the weir. To account for uncertainty in dam properties, we configured the model to simulate different configurations of dam height, as well as the “leakiness” of each dam. Using the approach described, HEC-RAS was used to simulate the impact of hypothetical beaver dams on storm events of different magnitudes in addition to low flow scenarios. Results suggest that the impact of beaver dam sequences on hydrology is highly dependent on channel and floodplain topography. We were then able to apply these results to produce an estimation of the impact of beavers on flow regimes at any river stretch in England. This was estimated for three scenarios with high, moderate and low presence of beavers across England. It is hoped that these modelling tools can be used to strategically determine where and how beavers may be able to provide a hydrological NBS and where supporting their wetland creation could be most valuable.

In the face of a global climate and biodiversity crisis, alongside intensifying natural hazards, there is growing interest in solutions that work with nature rather than against it—often referred to as Nature-based Solutions (NbS).NbS encompass a spectrum of approaches addressing diverse challenges. Based on our research in water resources, landscape management, and climate mitigation, in this perspective piece we identify two forms of NbS: (1) human-led interventions (HNbS) that are actively designed and maintained, and (2) nature-led solutions (NNbS) that allow natural processes to function with minimal human intervention.Drawing on our experience working with practitioners and policymakers, we highlight four key factors influencing the uptake and implementation of HNbS and NNbS: (1) the need for certainty, (2) balancing co-benefits and risks, (3) governance structures, and (4) societal perceptions of NbS.We propose that viewing NbS on a spectrum—from human-led to nature-led—offers a valuable framework for integrating these approaches alongside engineered solutions in policy and management. Recognising and leveraging the strengths of nature-led solutions can enhance sustainable, multi-benefit resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

Accurately quantifying rates of soil erosion requires capturing both the volumetric nature of the visible,convergent fluvial pathways(also known as rills)and the subtle nature of the less-visible,diffuse pathways(interrill areas).The aim of this study was to use Rare Earth Oxide(REO)tracers and Structure-from-Motion(SfM)photogrammetry to elucidate retrospective information about soil erosion rates and sediment sources during different soil erosion conditions,within a controlled laboratory environment.The experimental conditions created erosion events consistent with diffuse and convergent erosion processes.REO tracers allowed the sediment transport distances of over 2 m to be described,and helped resolved the relative contribution of diffuse and convergent soil erosion;interrill areas were also iden-tified as a significant sediment sources soil loss under convergent erosion conditions.While the potential for SfM photogrammetry to resolve sub-millimetre elevations changes was demonstrated,under some conditions non-erosional changes in surface elevation,such as compaction,exceeded volumes of soil loss via diffuse erosion.The discrepancies between SfM Photogrammetry calculations and REO tagged sediment export were beneficial,identifying that during soil erosion events sediment in both aggregate and particle form is deposited within the convergent features,even when the rill extended the full length of the soil surface.The combination of SfM photogrammetry and REO tracers has provided a novel platform for building a spatial understanding of patterns of soil loss and source apportionment between rill and interrill erosion.

In the UK, tree, hedgerow, and woodland (THaW) habitats are key havens for biodiversity and support many related ecosystem services. The UK is entering a period of agricultural policy realignment with respect to natural capital and climate change, meaning that now is a critical time to evaluate the distribution, resilience, and dynamics of THaW habitats. The fine-grained nature of habitats like hedgerows necessitates mapping of these features at relatively fine spatial resolution-and freely available public archives of airborne laser scanning (LiDAR) data at <2 m spatial resolution offer a means of doing so within UK settings. The high cost of LiDAR prohibits use for regular monitoring of THaW change, but space-borne sensors such as Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR at ca. 10 m resolution) can potentially meet this need once baseline distributions are established. We address two aims in this manuscript-(1) to rapidly quantify THaW across UK landscapes using LiDAR data and (2) to monitor canopy change intra- and inter-annually using SAR data. We show that workflows applied to airborne LiDAR data can deliver THaW baselines at 2 m resolution, with positional accuracy of >90%. It was also possible to combine LiDAR mapping data and Sentinel-1 SAR data to rapidly track canopy change through time (i.e., every 3 months) using, cloud-based processing via Google Earth Engine. The resultant toolkit is also provided as an open-access web app. The results highlight that whilst nearly 90% of the tallest trees (above 15 m) are captured within the National Forest Inventory (NFI) database only 50% of THaW with a canopy height range of 3-15 m are recorded. Current estimates of tree distribution neglect these finer-grained features (i.e., smaller or less contiguous THaW canopies), which we argue will account for a significant proportion of landscape THaW cover.

In anthropogenic landscapes, wildlife reintroductions are likely to result in interactions between people and reintroduced species. People living in the vicinity may have little familiarity with the reintroduced species or associated management, so will need to learn to live with the species in a new state of “Renewed Coexistence.” In England, Eurasian beavers ( Castor fiber ) are being reintroduced and U.K. Government agencies are currently considering their national approach to reintroduction and management. Early indications are this will include requirement for “Beaver Management Groups” (BMGs) to engage with local stakeholders. This policy paper reports on qualitative research that captured lessons from the governance of two existing BMGs in Devon (south‐west England), drawing on both a prior study and new interview data. Through the analysis, we identified that BMGs are not a fixed structure, but an adaptive process . This consists of three stages ( Formation , Functioning , and Future? ), influenced by resource availability and national policy direction. We argue that, where they are used, Species‐specific Management Groups could provide a “front line” for the integration of reintroduced species into modern landscapes, but their role or remit could be scaled back over time and integrated into existing structures or partnerships to reduce pressure on limited resources, as knowledge of reintroduced species (such as beaver) grows and its presence becomes “normalized.” There must be sufficient flexibility in forthcoming policy to minimize constraint on the adaptive nature of BMGs and similar groups for other reintroduced species, if they are to facilitate a sustainable coexistence.

Globally, significant resources are being targeted towards the restoration of degraded peatlands in an attempt to recover ecohydrological conditions and promote the delivery of ecosystem services, such as flood management, water storage and carbon sequestration. However, though crucial for net zero plans and climate change adaptation strategies, the ecohydrological response to restoration efforts are not yet fully understood.Using a before-after-control-impact experimental design in an ecohydrologically degraded peatland on Dartmoor, southwest United Kingdom, we are quantifying restoration impacts on water table depth in an erosional pan/hagg complex and related alterations to flow regimes in a downslope erosional gully, within paired sub-catchments. Through monitoring water quality at the gully, with a particular focus on DOC and colour, we also seek to describe the impact of any changes in peatland function on fluvial carbon fluxes.Preliminary results, collected 3 years post-restoration, indicate increased water table depths and water storage duration within peat pans and a significant reduction in peak discharge following restoration. In turn, we hypothesise that there will be a significant reduction in fluvial carbon exports and, as time since restoration increases and water tables stabilise, alterations to the relationship between water discolouration and carbon.

Widely available ‘fish‐finder’ echo‐sounding devices are beginning to be used in bathymetric studies to estimate geomorphic change. To date, however, there have been no applications in shallow and complex wetlands, where changes in sediment storage are notoriously dynamic in time and difficult to describe accurately in space. Therefore, in this study, we tested the performance of an ‘off‐the‐shelf’ fish‐finder for mapping bathymetry in a shallow beaver pond. We tested fish‐finder sonar depth readings against a traditional‐sounding lead‐line method across 21 paired Sampling Points with a minimum depth of 0.31 m and a mean of 0.65 m. Spatial accuracy of the unit was also tested against a differentially corrected Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver. Measured depths to pond bottom from the fish‐finder were on average within 5%, although significantly 0.015 m (SD = 0.034) less than those obtained by the lead‐line method. Spatial accuracy, however, varied greatly compared to the corrected GNSS receiver readings, with a mean discrepancy of 2.7 m (SD = 1.5) but up to 6.2 m. Given the close match of depth readings between the two methods, we conclude that sonar is a suitable, cost‐effective, and less‐intrusive method than existing techniques, even in moderately vegetated shallow waterbodies. Methods do need to be adopted to account for poor spatial precision with ‘off‐the‐shelf’ fish‐finder models, but this can be rectified with survey design or using a secondary GNSS. Application of this technology will allow rapid one‐off surveys or repeated monitoring of depth, bedform and sediment accumulation in otherwise hard‐to‐access or disturbance‐sensitive wetlands, such as beaver ponds and water treatment or flow attenuation wetlands.

Peatland restoration is experiencing a global upsurge as a tool to protect and provide various ecosystem services. As the range of peatland types being restored diversifies, do previous findings present overly optimistic restoration expectations? In an eroding and restored upland peatland we assessed short-term (0–4 year) effects of restoration on ecohydrological functions. Restoration significantly reduced discharge from the site, transforming peat pans into pools. These retained surface water over half the time and were deeper during wet periods than before. In the surrounding haggs water tables stabilised, as drawdown during dry conditions reduced, increasing the saturated peat thickness. Despite these changes, there were no effects on photosynthesis, ecosystem respiration or dissolved organic carbon loads leaving the site. Soil respiration did not decrease as water tables rose, but methane emissions were higher from rewet pools. Restoration has had a dramatic effect on hydrology, however, consequent changes in other ecosystem functions were not measured in the 4 years after restoration. Whilst restoration is crucial in halting the expansion of degraded peatland areas, it is vital that practitioners and policymakers advocating for restoration are realistic about the expected outcomes and timescales over which these outcomes may manifest.

Drone-based multispectral sensing is a valuable tool for dryland spatial ecology, yet there has been limited investigation of the reproducibility of measurements from drone-mounted multispectral camera array systems or the intercomparison between drone-derived measurements, field spectroscopy, and satellite data. Using radiometrically calibrated data from two multispectral drone sensors (MicaSense RedEdge (MRE) and Parrot Sequoia (PS)) co-located with a transect of hyperspectral measurements (tramway) in the Chihuahuan desert (New Mexico, USA), we found a high degree of correspondence within individual drone data sets, but that reflectance measurements and vegetation indices varied between field, drone, and satellite sensors. In comparison to field spectra, MRE had a negative bias, while PS had a positive bias. In comparison to Sentinel-2, PS showed the best agreement, while MRE had a negative bias for all bands. A variogram analysis of NDVI showed that ecological pattern information was lost at grains coarser than 1.8 m, indicating that drone-based multispectral sensors provide information at an appropriate spatial grain to capture the heterogeneity and spectral variability of this dryland ecosystem in a dry season state. Investigators using similar workflows should understand the need to account for biases between sensors. Modelling spatial and spectral upscaling between drone and satellite data remains an important research priority.