Re-establishing and developing plant cover, either by artificial or natural means; see, for example, Li et al. (2007) Geomorph. 88, 3–4. Owen et al. (2001) J. Biogeog. 28, 5 report that most revegetation following anthropogenic and/or environmental interference is through vegetative reproduction. One of the key components of any restoration programme is to adequately and efficiently identify potential sites for revegetation. As with any restoration activity, economic cost plays a major role (Lawson et al. (2007) Geogr. Res. 42, 4).