Increasing Biodiversity in Construction & Landscaping Infrastructure Projects

Part of the Leeds Flood Alleviation Phase 2 project involved the requirement to repair a 60m stretch of river-side wall that had previously collapsed in “Zone 11” prior to the development of the scheme. Geogrow were approached for a solution that would maintain the steep profile of the river bank whilst providing a vegetated face in line with the project aim to enhance riverside wildlife habitat.

Geogrow designed a reinforced earth solution incorporating Rootlok bags on the exposed face which was then seeded with a wildflower mix. Geogrow provided the labour and plant resource to construct the reinforced embankment and supplied the reinforcement and facing material.

The work was completed efficiently and in line with the required programme and in compliance with the specification. Geogrow developed a safe system of work that was written into method statements and risk assessments that ensured the safety of their workers while constructing in a riverside environment, including the provision of controls for working at height. The embankment was constructed in a method that was fully in compliance with these documents.

A comprehensive O&M manual together with as-built drawings was provided in a timely manner upon completion of the work.

The Rootlok face successfully vegetated during the subsequent growing season resulting in an end product that became one of the show pieces for Zone 11.