RAB Consultants have been delivering a nature-based riverbank erosion protection project in Wybunbury, Cheshire, helping prevent the continued loss of community land earmarked for a future play area and outdoor classroom. Using live willow faggots, the scheme will stabilise the riverbank while enhancing biodiversity, supporting natural processes and creating long-term benefits for the local community.
Why Was Riverbank Erosion a Problem in Wybunbury?
Without intervention, continued riverbank erosion and bank retreat threatens the viability of the land to be used for the community. The project will help to prevent the continued loss of community land reserved for a future play area and outdoor classroom.
RAB’s Role in the Project
We have acted as Principal Designer under the CDM 2015 Regulations, supporting the project from feasibility and options appraisal through conceptual design, detailed design, consents and are due to provide site supervision services as construction commences to help ensure the project is delivered safely, efficiently and in accordance with the approved design.
The project will utilise live willow faggots, a sustainable riverbank protection technique that works with natural processes to reduce erosion while enhancing the surrounding environment.
What are Live Willow Faggots?
Live willow faggots consist of bundles of living willow cuttings staked and embedded along the riverbank. As the willow establishes and grows, it forms a living and self-healing structure that reinforces the bank, whilst enhancing habitat connectivity and increasing biodiversity.
The project will not only stabilise the riverbank, but also improve habitat opportunities for wildlife and help transform the site into a safer, attractive and valuable asset for the local community.
Community Involvement in the Project
The project is also utilising the local community to help prepare the site, including clearing Himalayan balsam, de-weeding and transplanting native plants to support establishment of the new riverbank habitat.
This community involvement helps reduce project costs whilst encouraging local ownership of the scheme – helping to foster awareness and the long-term care and stewardship of the site.
The Outcome
This project demonstrates our ability to deliver nature-based solutions from feasibility and options appraisal through to design, consenting and construction support – providing clients with continuity, technical assurance and a single point of contact throughout delivery.
By understanding both the technical and practical challenges faced by our clients, we develop sustainable solutions that work with natural processes while delivering long-term engineering, environmental and community benefits.
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