Riverbank Erosion

Bank erosion is a natural process and is an important source of sediment for a natural river system. Indeed, certain habitats and species would not exist were it not for actively eroding banks. However, bank erosion can be triggered or exaggerated by human activities and this “accelerated” bank erosion can throw a natural channel system out of equilibrium and result in severe ecological degradation to the watercourse. Erosion can cause the loss of valuable land and threaten flood defences and properties.

Shorelines

Most bioengineering techniques are suitable for the long-term protection of eroding or exposed lake shorelines. A wide margin of wetland plants absorbs wave energy whilst supporting valuable wildlife habitats. From urban lakes to inter-tidal and coastal shorelines, we can advise suitable bioengineering solutions that stop erosion and provide diverse marginal habitat.

Wetlands

Phoenix Amenity specialises in integrated constructed wetland and habitat creation schemes, within the context of storm water and wastewater management. The basis of the SUDS approach is the use of water management technologies such as grass swales, constructed wetlands and infiltration basins within a treatment circuit to achieve the water flow and quality targets.

We work with natural materials to create robust, ecologically stable systems that do not require high levels of maintenance. The overall result is a system that attenuates storm flows, supports high levels of biodiversity, produces an amenity and landscape resource and greatly improves water quality.

Habitat Translocation

We specialise in the translocation of entire or fragmented habitats by moving whole ecosystems including both the vegetation and soil elements. Many types of habitat can be moved in this way including reed beds and wetlands, heath land, grasslands and salt marshes.

Phoenix Amenity can advise on the suitability of the donor and receptor sites, including all elements of ground preparation and the depth of soil that needs to be lifted.

Erosion Control - Slopes

Soil should be regarded as an invaluable and finite resource, as most UK soils have taken hundreds, and even thousands of years to evolve and develop. Inappropriate management can expose this valuable resource resulting in irreversible damage in weeks, days or even a few hours. Soil should not simply be viewed as a “growing medium”, but a unique habitat, containing whole ecosystems.

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Coir Rolls and Pallets

Coir Rolls and Pallets are manufactured in the UK to any specification, depending upon specific site requirements.

Coir Rolls and Pallets are an excellent technique for establishing marginal vegetation around lake edges, canals, streams and riverbanks. Coir Rolls are cost-effective, organic revetments that are a suitable alternative to hard revetments in many applications.

Floating Reed Islands

Floating Reed islands are bespoke portable floating refuges, which provide instant cover, habitat and protection for fish, invertebrates and mammals. The modular floating frame supports pre-established (vegetated) coir fibre plant pallets. As the pallets mature both the vegetation and root establishment provides a haven for all kinds of aquatic life, including fish, water voles, newts and invertebrates.

The island’s protective measures are further enhanced when fitted with a fish refuge. This meshed cage allows fish stocks in but keeps predators out.

Reinforced Turf

In order to support our bioengineering techniques a pre-vegetated turf with a site specific vegetation mix can greatly enhance the success of a project, especially in areas with high energy water flows or in reinforced soil structures where plant germination and establishment can be very limited.

Phoenix Amenity can grow numerous mixes of pre-established wildflower, grass and wetland mix turfs for a wide variety of applications.

Jute Netting - Soil Control

Jute mesh is one of the most favoured and cost effective environmentally friendly methods of stabilising soil on embankments. Independent trials have consistently shown that more expensive synthetic mats fail to match the environmental benefits of jute mesh as a soil stabilising method. Therefore, unless the erosion forces are harsh or vegetation difficult to establish, jute netting is the best solution for temporary surface protection.

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S150 (Double Net 100% Straw Blanket)

S150 is designed to provide protection and mulching for up to 12months. Designed for high maintenance areas where mowing will occur soon after installation.

SC150 (Double Net 70% Straw 30% Coconut Fibre Blanket)

SC150 is designed to provide erosion protection and mulching for up to 24 months. The addition of coconut fibres increases erosion control capabilities and longevity on steeper slopes.

C125 (Double Net 100% Coconut Fibre Blanket)

C125 is designed to provide more effective erosion protection and mulching for up to 36 months. The 100% coconut fibres allow the highest level of durability and erosion control for the protection of severe slopes and steep embankments where vegetation will take time to establish.