High Peak Borough Council have used the Rootlok Vegetated Wall System to repair river banks in Chapel-en-le-Frith and restore them to their original stable condition.
The council, along with flood consultants RAB, identified four sites along Warm Brook that had been subject to significant erosion. Existing systems installed to protect the banks were also failing. Furthermore the site lies within a high risk flood zone, increasing the urgency for well designed repairs.
As part of the plans there was a need for sustainable development that complemented the local area. As such it was important that the design of the repair works took this into consideration.
RAB approached GeoGrow to put forward a proposal using the Rootlok Vegetated Wall System that would meet the criteria. GeoGrow submitted four retaining wall designs specific to each location that would stabilise the river banks. In addition the green finish achieved by Rootlok would allow the repairs to complement the natural surroundings. We provided Rootlok bags filled with a seeded mixture which will allow the installation to grow vegetation immediately.
The contractors carried out the works in very difficult conditions due to heavy rainfall. They removed old gabions, removed existing vegetation and graded the banks to a safe angle. Temporary sand bag walls were put up to cordon off a dry working area. They also installed a fence along certain points of the bank to discourage users from leaving the main path. The result is a great example of using Rootlok as an alternative to gabions and other hard systems for river bank repairs.
Rootlok is an ideal solution for river bank repairs. The system provides high structural stability to the bank that is able to withstand the flow during peak flood events. Furthermore the system achieves a fully vegetated green solution that is ecologically sensitive to the local area.
