Bankbusters Recraft

River and port areas are under pressure from climate change, increasing shipping traffic and the loss of natural biodiversity. At the same time, the space available for nature development is becoming increasingly scarce. Within this context, Bankbusters Recraft explores how natural habitats such as mudflats and salt marshes can contribute to stronger shorelines that are more resistant to erosion and flooding.

The project builds on the results of the earlier Bankbusters project, but examines the entire transition zone between water and land for the first time. The knowledge gained is expected to lead to new solutions that can also be applied in other river and port areas.

The project partners are studying the conditions required for mudflats and salt marshes to develop successfully and be maintained over time. They are investigating, among other things, the role of sediment, soil structure, vegetation and water dynamics, as well as the interactions between these factors. In addition, they are examining how natural ecosystems can contribute to wave attenuation, shoreline stability and flood protection.

The project is also developing and testing innovative solutions, such as the use of natural materials, the reuse of dredged sediment and nature-friendly structures that support the development of valuable habitats. Through laboratory research, modelling studies and field trials, the performance of these solutions is evaluated in river and port environments where space is often limited.

The project will generate new knowledge on the restoration and management of intertidal areas, and on the role natural habitats can play in sustainable shoreline protection. In addition, new design principles and nature-based techniques will be developed and validated. The results are expected to lead to practical solutions for river and port areas where safety, nature development and spatial use must be balanced.