Happy Valley LNR
Riverbank Stabilisation
Client: Stockport Council
Final Value: £5,385
Start Date: Apr 2024
Finish Date: Apr 2024
Background
The works consisted of a small section of bank stabilisation and erosion control of the existing Ladybrook river using a mixture of hard and soft landscaping and green engineering works approved by Stockport Council.
Happy Valley LNR is an ancient, wooded river valley with grassy flood plains. It is a hidden natural oasis where you can walk peacefully and enjoy the natural heritage. Located off Bridge Lane, Bramhall, the reserve is 3 miles from Stockport Town Centre. The site is a designated Local Nature Reserve (LNR) and a Site of Biological Importance (SBI). Stockport Council commissioned CCNW to undertake riverbank stabilisation and green engineering works on the eroded banking along the Ladybrook Valley.
Project Aim
CCNW’s professional conservation team has extensive experience with all aspects of river revetment projects. As a result of riverbank destabilisation, the key aim of the works was to undertake excavations to the riverbed to receive log revetments from locally harvested tree trunks.
CCNW Solution
The riverbank stabilisation and erosion control of the existing Lady Brook River included the installation of log revetments which were keyed into the toe of the riverbed and secured using round posts and wire. Further installation of Green Engineering works comprised the use of willow spilling and willow pole planting on 15m of eroded banking along the Ladybrook valley.
In addition, works were undertaken to the existing footpath route where the footpath had been previously washed and eroded away by high river levels.
The footpath alignment was reinstated using recycled aggregate matching the existing path surface materials and keyed into the existing footpath surface.
The toe of the riverbed was prepared, and log revetments installed to provide a robust base for the banking, providing long-term erosion control, banking support and habitat creation.
The tree trunks were used to create log jams following curve of the river, with willow spiling and willow pole planting used to control riverbank erosion.
CCNW produced method statements demonstrating how the work would be carried out safely whilst minimising disturbance to the habitat and wildlife.
CCNW was able to undertake an ecological walkover survey and Preliminary Ecological Appraisal to check for protected species prior to carrying out the works.
The resulting green engineering works will act to prevent further banking erosion and landslips into the river when the water levels rise in bad weather.
The installation of log revetments and willow spilling at the river’s edge, and the under-storey planting using native species will help stabilise the reinstated river banking section and footpath.
Special Features
Waterways and Wetland Management
Services
Riverbank Stabilisation
Erosion Control
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
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