A new short film shows how the restoration of the Pielach River is transforming it back into a vibrant ecosystem and what opportunities this creates for nature and people.

Once the Pielach was a free-flowing river. However, around 90 years ago, it was heavily straightened and regulated in order to gain land for agriculture and settlements. But this land gain came at a cost: the ecological quality of the river suffered significantly and many habitats were lost.

Due to the stronger current, the river is digging itself deeper and deeper into the landscape. As a result, there is little exchange with the groundwater, and water temperatures rise significantly, especially during the summer months. This has a massive impact on flora and fauna, especially on temperature-sensitive species like huchen and grayling, which need cool water.

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