Willow Spiling to control erosion

Erosion control and flood prevention using living willow walls to strengthen banks.

Willow is cut and woven between stakes during winter

Willow has been used for centuries to reinforce the water's edge along rivers, lakes, canals and streams.

There has been a revival recently among planning authorities and the Environment Agency in recommending the use of willow as a 'soft' engineering solution to erosion and bank reinforcement problems.

Installing willow walls at a fraction of the environmental and financial cost of piling with man made materials is seen as a far more sustainable method of bank strengthening.

Soft engineering methods are sensitive to the environment as they allow other plant species to grow through and animals can still access earth banks.

As a living material, willow also acts as a carbon store for the future, thus adding to its sustainability credentials.

Erosion control using willow is particularly suitable on sites with reduced access as materials can be carried onto the site and walls need little or no machinery to construct.

JPR Environmental principally employs spiling or combined material solutions to erosion control.

JPR Environmental also supplies a range of natural materials for erosion control including live willow and coir rolls. We also offer a full nationwide installation 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.

Please contact us if you would like to discuss your requirements. We are also very happy to offer general advice. If you would like more information on willow and its uses in the landscape please visit our willow website.