RESTORING A POPULAR FOOTPATH IN DERWENT WALK COUNTRY PARK
Our consultancy, River Catchment Services, has been working with Gateshead Council to protect and restore a popular footpath on the River Derwent.
The footpath just downstream from Ladysteps Dam was at risk of closure from an eroding riverbank. We tackled this problem using robust green engineering techniques that will only get stronger with time.
Green engineering uses natural materials like logs and willow to work with the natural process of the river.
We used a logjam matrix (pictured) to help withstand the strong erosive forces that are observed on-site in a flood.
The riverbank was reprofiled to a more stable, shallow angle and covered in geocoir matting. The matting supports vegetation growth, which stabilises the bank further over time and helps it to blend into its surroundings.
