Spring Ecological Corridor

Spring Ecological Corridor

Spring Corridor— is a network of natural ecosystems connecting springs, stream heads, wetlands, filtration zones, and adjacent forests. In the systemDREVO Living Mountainsthe spring corridor isthe first link in the formation of the entire river network, ensuring a constant supply of clean water to the rivers.

The main task isnot only to protect the spring itself, but also to preserve the entire territory that feeds it.

"Every spring has its own forest, its own soil, and its own catchment area. Only by preserving them together can the spring itself be preserved."

Main objectives

Restoration of springs.

Protection of groundwater recharge zones.

Increased precipitation infiltration.

Restoration of stream headwaters.

Maintaining the purity of drinking water.

Preventing sources from drying up.

Creating continuous ecological connections between springs.

Spring Corridor Structure

1. Spring feeding area

Situated above the source.

Main tasks:

maximum precipitation retention;

restoration of forest soil;

increased infiltration;

erosion prevention.

2. Spring zone

Includes:

place of water outlet;

wet soils;

mosses;

spring streams.

3. Upper Stream

The following are being formed:

small rapids;

natural rapids;

stone channels;

areas with tree debris.

4. Spring Forest

Priority trees:

alder;

willow;

ash tree;

elm;

maple;

linden;

beech (higher up the slope).

5. Wet meadows

Landing:

sedges;

sieves;

tavolga;

valerian;

mint;

other local moisture-loving species.

Priority plants

Trees

Shrubs

hazel;

viburnum;

buckthorn;

elderberry;

honeysuckle.

Soil cover

mosses;

sphagnum mosses (where naturally occurring);

ferns;

mushrooms;

forest herbs.

Engineering solutions from DREVO

Spring Protection Zone

A security zone is created around each spring.

The following are prohibited:

plowing;

construction;

pollution;

uncontrolled grazing.

Infiltration Forest

A water-retaining forest is planted above the spring.

Main task:

maximize groundwater replenishment.

Living Spring Basin

Small natural bowls and wet areas are created which:

slow down the flow;

retain water;

maintain constant humidity.

Deadwood Moisture System

Some deadwood is left around the springs.

Functions:

moisture retention;

development of fungi;

humus formation;

soil protection.

Spring Micro Wetlands

Small swampy areas near the water outlet.

They work as:

natural filter;

moisture accumulator;

habitat of amphibians and invertebrates.

Animals

Particular attention is paid to:

Amphibians

salamander;

newts;

frogs;

toads.

Insects

caddis flies;

mayflies;

dragonflies.

To the birds

to the grave;

kingfisher;

small forest species.

Mammals

shrews;

badger;

roe deer;

deer.

DREVO robotic ecosystem

Stages of creation

Stage I

search for springs;

mapping;

hydrogeological survey.

Stage II

clearing;

restoration of water outlet;

protection of territory.

Stage III

forest restoration;

creation of wet zones;

planting of coastal vegetation.

Stage IV

long-term monitoring;

digital twin;

adaptive control.

Key performance indicators

Expected results

restoration of disappeared springs;

increase in base flow of rivers;

rising groundwater levels;

reducing the risk of streams drying up;

improving the quality of drinking water;

restoration of habitats of rare species;

increasing the resilience of mountain ecosystems to climate change.

The main principle

The Spring Corridor is not a line along a stream, but a living spring feed system.

In the conceptDREVO Living Mountainseach spring corridor connectsWatershed Corridor, Slope Corridor And River Corridor, forming a continuous hydrological chain. This way, water doesn't just emerge to the surface, but travels the entire path—from infiltration in the mountain forest to feeding streams, rivers, floodplains, and, ultimately, marine ecosystems.

Watershed Corridor