"Pjältån is a good example of a watercourse that is quite affected, so this is about being able to restore the natural connections with surrounding wetlands and lakes. At the same time, it will benefit wildlife such as beavers, sea trout and all other species found in the area, says Erik Årnfelt, investigator at the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management.
"Important work going on all over Sweden"
The county administrative boards have been commissioned by the government to work with the restoration and construction of wetlands, lakes and watercourses. And for two days, about 50 employees from all over the country gathered in Norrköping to gather new knowledge in the field.
"This is very important work going on all over Sweden. For many hundreds of years, humans have affected watercourses and lakes, which has deteriorated the habitats of many endangered animals and plants. But it is also about improving water management in the landscape – both in drought and high flows," says Mathias Ibbe, water ecologist at the County Administrative Board of Östergötland.
More knowledge about water conservation is in demand
During the day, four sites in the surrounding area were visited, where various measures that could improve the aquatic environment were discussed.
– Many are already very knowledgeable in the field, but especially in the more technical part of water conservation – hydromorphology – how water and land work together, there is a need for more knowledge. So we're looking at more courses than this one," says Erik Årnfelt.