02 – A river that breathes again

You are standing before an erodible bend, a natural curve that allows the river to move freely, following its original morphology. Here in Stalvedro, the landscape has been reopened and reshaped to make room for water and life, restoring some of the river’s lost freedom.

Within the bend, the water is able to flow at different speeds, spreading out over a wider area and forming varied environments such as small pools, gravelly areas and wet stretches. These spaces are home to a wide variety of organisms, from fish to aquatic insects, from amphibians to birds. Over time and with flooding events, the meander changes shape and creates new microhabitats: calm stretches, gravel bars, shaded banks and wetlands teeming with life. With every flood, the river reinvents itself, and with every season, new visitors arrive.

The vegetation planted in the surrounding area includes species such as willows, alders, maples and a variety of shrubs. As they grow, these plants strengthen the soil, providing shade, shelter and food sources for many animals. Plant diversity helps to make the environment more stable and better able to adapt to climate change. Some roots grow deep to withstand flooding, whilst others colonise the gravel, slowing erosion and retaining moisture.