In south-west Belgium, the breeding of the kingfisher was monitored for more than 10 years. During this period, 158 banks were regularly surveyed. Alterations or potential threats were identified: natural erosion, cattle trampling, disturbance from kayak-riders or anglers and, last but not least, consolidation works. Only 56 banks (35.4 %) can de considered as "safe". However, since the recent (2001) legal restrictions about the navigation on small rivers, 12 more banks are now safe too. Cattle trampling appears as the main threat (55 sites). However, the enforcement of the law regulating the fences along the rivers could easily solve the problem. Nineteen banks were completely destroyed for different purposes: navigation, road retaining walls or simply anti-erosive measures. Most of these works were undertaken along the river Meuse, the best nidification habitat of the area. (11 photos)