Recent studies show an increase in the population of beavers, nutria and other rodents in vast regions of central Europe over the last 15 years. Unfortunately this caused in many instances considerable damages on large rivers along dykes and earthworks in the floodplain areas, leading to an increased risk of bank failures. However, most of these mammals belong to protected species. This work is aimed at showing positive experiences in cooperation with universities, research institutes and environmental agencies regarding measures to permanently safeguard the banks using composite erosion control systems with polymer coated steel wire net (as flexible reinforcement component) and geosynthetic (to promote vegetation growth). The steel mesh component works as an effective long term barrier against the intrusion of mammals, discouraging them from digging inside the core of the dyke. An analysis of the sensitive areas to be protected led also to define the characteristics of these interventions (length, shape, escape ways, population areas, etc). The study will present several additional benefits when using polymer steel nets along dykes, such as: 1) high and durable erosion protection in overflow areas, 2) promote fast and effective vegetation growth (increasing stability), 3) surface protection against ice impacts (in northern regions), 4) ease of installation, maintenance, 5) ability to conform to irregular shapes of the slope. This work will present the positive outcome of case studies along the dykes in Germany, Austria and in Italy.
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