In summary
- A collapsed sandstone wall left the riverbank unstable and in need of repair
- A Flex MSE vegetated retaining wall was installed within a three-week window, coordinated alongside another contractor’s works
- The sustainable design re-used existing sandstone aggregate and incorporated seeded soil bags to create a durable and natural finish
Project in numbers
4 large woody structures installed
24,000 natural materials used
The need
The client sought to enhance biodiversity and manage peak flows in an upland river within a protected National Park.
‘Leaky dams’ were identified as a sustainable solution to slow water conveyance, support fish migration, and improve spawning conditions.
The solution
Our team installed four large woody structures using surplus oversized stone from a local quarry and a mix of logs and root plates from wind-blown trees on neighbouring farmland.
Using a spider excavator, the team placed the logs and stone with care to maximise flow diversity and habitat creation.
Each dam was designed to slow water during high flow events and maintain migratory pathways during dry periods, with additional benefits including the creation of eddies and pools to support spawning fish.
The project has provided a sustainable natural flood management solution that works with nature to enhance biodiversity and provide long-lasting environmental benefits.
The benefits
- Creates sustainable, nature-based flood defences in sensitive locations
- Improves river habitats and supports fish migration and spawning
- Reduces reliance on hard engineering and supports circular material use
