Eco Designs

Erosion Control and Flood Protection Measures

Riverbank or coastal protection using either traditional or innovative natural alternatives provides an environmentally friendly and sustainable way to help solve the problem of the soft erosion and stabilisation of river, estuary and canal banks, lakeside and pond edges, and along many larger drainage ditches and watercourses.

Eco Designs specialise in a range of low cost 'green' solutions to these tricky problems, at a fraction of the cost of modern concrete or steel engineering works. These include primarily the use of willow spiling which uses fresh willow rods woven between live willow stakes and set into the banks at regular intervals. This work is carried out during the winter months when the willow is dormant. When it comes into growth it will produce a strong root system and shrubby top growth above the water line to help prevent further erosion from wave patterns.

Other eco-friendly solutions can also be specified, and include the use of straight coir or reinforcing matting, timber or granite blocks, gabion baskets filled with reclaimed stone or recycled concrete blocks, log rolls primarily from conifer plantations and reed or wetland planting.

All of these protection methods are low impact and enable construction to take place with little or no machinery and therefore are ideal for situations where there is difficult or restricted access. Each will encourage biodiversity and provide valuable refuges for existing wildlife, especially amphibians and water voles, even in urban areas.

Many erosion control measures require ongoing management and we are pleased to offer this as part of a complete service.

Please Contact Us to discuss your requirements.

Willows

Eco Designs don't just use sustainably grown willows for wetlands!

They can be woven and used to create living sculptures and planted with sedums to achieve year round interest.