Using natural materials to provide long term stabilisation to a riverbank
Riverbank adjacent to a popular section of the Derwent Walk footpath in Gateshead had become eroded. Gateshead Council were concerned that further erosion would make this footpath which is frequently used by pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders unsafe to use, leading to long-term closure. They asked RCS to develop a robust and permanent solution.
We used hydromorphological expertise to design a solution that matched the natural surroundings of the location but crucially withstood extremely challenging flow conditions experienced at the site. This involved the use of larch posts to create a log jam matrix to robustly protect the riverbank and absorb river energy. It was also agreed that the riverbank would be reprofiled and protected using biodegradeable coir matting and seeded with native grass species.
Once the design was agreed with Gateshead Council, RCS obtained necessary permissions from the Environment Agency and liaised with the local community to ensure awareness was maintained throughout the project. We then worked with a local contractor to deliver the project safely, efficiently and with no environmental harm.
