Live willow can be combined with other natural materials such as hazel faggots, coir rolls, rock and stone to provide the most effective solution to water erosion problems and bank strengthening to prevent flooding.

The faggots, rolls or stones are laid on the riverbed to raise the bank to the mean water level most suitable for planting living willow. This wall is staked in place below the water level and can be lined with geotextile to prevent scouring beneath the living material.

Live willow is usually installed in the form of spiling - a woven wall - but can also be laid down in prefabricated hurdles or planted as cuttings further up the bank. As willow grows, it rapidly forms a dense root mat that binds the bank together.

Materials can be installed in tiers to create platforms or ledges at varying heights up the bank on which aquatic marginal flora can be planted.

Materials can be combined to adapt them to different water erosion problems. Combining materials is often ideal for small to medium scale projects on lakesides, riverbanks and canal edges. The differing bank conditions can be sympathetically incorporated into the reinforcement profile, thus retaining a more natural look and feel without compromising effectiveness.

JPR Environmental principally employs spiling or combined material solutions for erosion control. To see more details of how we build willow walls to strengthen banks, please look at our spiling page.

JPR Environmental also supply a range of natural materials for erosion control. These include willow, coir rolls and aquatic plants. We also offer a full nationwide installation and planting service employing highly experienced staff.

JPR Environmental has undertaken a wide range of erosion control projects for the Environment Agency, Basingstoke Canal Trust, Cala Homes, the Cotswold Water Park and a number of private clients. Further details can be seen on our previous work page.

We are happy to discuss your erosion problems and offer advice. Please contact us for more information.