Abstract: The protection of ecological environment along highways should be strengthend and the overall quality of roadside ecological restoration should be enhanced. There are several challenges in roadside slope restoration, including insufficient implementation of the concept of close-to-nature and unclear realization path. We introduced the concept of “close-to-nature” into the field of roadside ecological restoration, put forward a new concept of roadside slope close-to-nature restoration, accompanied by a deep analysis of its core theories, and established three basic principles for implementation. A comprehensive theoretical framework and practical approach for the roadside slope close-to-nature restoration were systematically developed, encompassing suitable habitat construction, vegetation restoration and reconstruction, as well as positive succession induction intervention. Furthermore, the key technologies of roadside slope ecological restoration at the current stage were sorted out and summarized, aiming to provide theoretical guidance and technical support for the roadside slope close-to-nature restoration, and promote the sustainable development of harmonious coexistence between highway construction and ecological environment.

Key words: ecological restoration, concept of close-to-nature, roadside slope, vegetation community