Sustainable and natural repairs using Willow spiling:
using ‘bio-engineering’ and ‘soft landscaping’, water erosion repairs can be undertaken leaving a natural appearance, which blends into the surroundings and becomes almost invisible.

Incorporating sustainably produced materials and native plant species a natural environment can be maintained.

Such methods are very much in line with the current strategies of the agri-environment schemes and the policies of environmental organisations such as SEPA and the Environment Agency. 

• Willow Spiling:

The use of woven living willow to form flexible, live, growing structures.

These will resist and deflect water flows, enabling bankings and vegetation to naturally re-grow and bind themselves, thus preventing further erosion.

Generally constructed on site these can be made to measure and fitted according to flows and heights of banking. (see photo's below)

• Pre-made panels and shutters

These can also be supplied and fitted with minimal on-site work.

• Mattings and fabrics

These offer the additional reinforcement of slopes and bankings, perhaps behind and above willow spiling or in situations where additional protection of ground is required in planted areas. Mattings can be made of organic, natural materials or from man made geotextiles. They provide longevity, strength and a plant friendly environment, for use in more aggressive erosion locations, and allowing vegetation and roots to establish securely.

• Additional Options

The planting of grasses, shrubs and trees, according to location, to anchor soils, prevent erosion, and bolster spiling work.

Hard engineering alongside bio-engineering:
In situations involving extreme flows, where bio-engineering by itself would not work, perhaps in proximity to other civil engineering structures such as bridges, it may be necessary to incorporate gabions and other engineered structures. These structures can however be softened by the inclusion of strategic planting, and the use of willow to root into soil zones thus adding root stability to potentially soft soils. Willow spiling may also compliment such hard engineering structures.

CT offer both a full supply and construction service, and also a supply only service, for own installation.