An ancestral nature-based solution: A review of fascines in soil and water bioengineering

Fascines are among the oldest bioengineering structures used to control erosion and stabilize riverbanks, slopes, and incised landforms. While their historical use dates back centuries, the diversity of fascine-based techniques has often been overlooked or poorly described in the contemporary ecological restoration literature. This article synthetizes literature ranging from early civil engineering treatises (18th-19th centuries) to contemporary scientific studies, including historical texts, technical manuals, monitoring reports, and peer-reviewed articles. We propose a comprehensive typology of the main fascine techniques according to their position and function (streambank, riverbed, slope), and analyze their structural characteristics, operating mechanisms, and ecological and technical outcomes. The synthesis highlights that toe and bank fascines are most effective under low to moderate energy conditions when properly anchored and combined with complementary vegetation techniques, whereas transverse and drainage fascines are more context-dependent and prone to failure if hydrological dynamics are insufficiently considered. Across techniques, performance appears primarily controlled by the match between hydraulic and ecological conditions and design configuration, with misalignment frequently leading to structural failure or limited ecological functionality. Common failure modes include toe scour, inadequate anchorage, poor plant establishment, and sediment bypass. A synthesis table summarizes contexts of use, dominant hydraulic mechanisms, ecological benefits, and typical failure modes, providing a decision-support tool for practitioners. Overall, longitudinal structures (e.g. toe and slope fascines) tend to provide more predictable stabilization outcomes, while transverse and in-channel structures generate higher ecological diversity but also greater uncertainty in performance. More broadly, the review highlights a trade-off between immediate mechanical stability and long-term ecological integration, depending on the type of fascine and implementation context.This review demonstrates that while fascines can deliver both immediate erosion control and long-term ecological benefits, their success strongly depends on site-specific hydromorphological conditions, species selection, and design choices. The paper also identifies key knowledge gaps, notably the lack of quantitative performance data and standardized monitoring, and outlines priorities for future research and practice.