Wetlands were excavated as part of a large, new retail development near Doncaster. Once excavated, the embankments suffered from significant erosion due to sandy soils and wave action. The structural integrity of the embankment was at risk, which would lead to failure of a bund and continued erosion.
The wetlands are to be adopted by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, so an environmentally sensitive solution was required to prevent the erosion whilst protecting the embankments.
Salix were asked to provide an environmentally sensitive solution to protect the embankments of around each lake. Working with the client, a range of bioengineering solutions were provided depending on the erosion risk and likelihood of vegetation establishment, providing multiple benefits between habitat creation and erosion control.
- Low risk areas: Pre-established Coir Rolls and Pallets
- Medium risk areas: Brushwood and coir rolls and pallets
- High risk areas: Rock Mattresses
Pre-established coir rolls come with mature vegetation, they are able to establish quickly into the surrounding area and consolidate soils with the continued establishment of the vegetation. Vegetation helps to act as a buffer, dissipating the wave action whilst the continued root growth helps to consolidate the soils.
Rock mattresses use a small stone grading which helps to provide significant erosion protection whilst using a small single surface layer of rock. A small stone grading is used, which helps promote sediment accretion and vegetation can establish.
Temporary stock fencing was installed to help deter water fowl from grazing on the plants during the establishment period.
Two years since completion, the wetlands have experienced a range of site conditions, the plants have successfully established to provide robust habitat and will provide the necessary erosion protection for years to come.
Products Used
Coir Rolls
Coir Rolls are an organic living revetment that provide erosion control and rapid vegetation establishment. Salix have developed a range of specific species mixes for use in all types of water bodies.
Pre-filled Rock Mattresses
Rock Mattresses are a robust and permanent revetment for use around reservoirs, shorelines, lake edges, streams and river banks. They are cost-effective revetments that are suitable alternatives to rock rip rap and gabions…
Coir Pallets
Salix produce a wide range of pre-established coir pallets planted with high quality native plant species. Coir pallets are composed from coir fibre which is a sustainable waste product from the husk of the coconut shell.
Brushwood faggot/fascine
Salix produce a range of brushwood faggots (fascines) for use in rivers, canals and lakes. We use brushwood from sustainable sources and can supply various timber types including Ash, Hazel and Willow.
Native Plants
Salix are the UK’s largest grower of native wetland and wildflowering plants in the UK – perfect for use in green infrastructure, peatland restoration, wetland restoration and creation and other habitat projects In response to demand for a wider range of species for specific habitat types we have developed a range of plug grown species for three key habitats: Salt marsh, Sand dunes & Moorlands. Wetland Plants Salt Marsh Moorlands Sand Dunes Salix are the largest grower of native wetland plants in the UK. Salix wetland nurseries have been designed and built specifically for commercially growing native wetland plants for supply
