Do trees make a difference? An evaluation of the impact of riparian vegetation on the ecology of nutrient poor headwater streams

The presence of riparian vegetation is shown to affect both physical and biological properties of headwater streams. Riparian vegetation mediates food resource availability for macroinvertebrates and fish within streams through addition of allochthonous material such as leaves, woody debris and terrestrial invertebrates. Riparian shade can also reduce biomass and production of autochthonous algae. The potential role of riparian vegetation in enhancing biodiversity and productivity of headwater streams is discussed, with reference to improving salmonid fish stocks in the headwater streams of Ireland and Great Britain.