25 years of River Restoration Expertise
Rivers are our lifeblood, on both a global scale and on a personal level
River restoration is where we started as a business more than 25 years ago. It’s fair to say that we’re experts in river restoration, which is why we’re considered to be one of the UK’s leading industry specialists in ecological and environmental solutions; it’s also why we’ve been trusted to complete river restoration works on behalf of clients such as the Environment Agency, Anglian Water and The Rivers Trusts.
With river restoration being our most sought-after service, you can be certain that any river restoration works we carry out will be nothing short of exemplary. We view river restoration as part art, part science, so as well as being confident that our designs are functional, we make sure that the end result is beautiful, too. We undertake a wide variety of restoration and enhancements on all river systems, from small tributaries to estuarine habitats, and we’re also highly skilled in the restoration of chalk streams.
Environmental protection is at the heart of what we do, with our river restoration projects being carried out in a way which ensures the greatest environmental gain for the available budget.
Contact us today.
In depth
What is river restoration?
River restoration is the act of reinstating natural processes to help the river to restore itself. Geomorphological changes (such as channel narrowing or changing the flow of water) can not only help the river to function more naturally, but can alter habitat potential.
Common methods used in our river restoration projects include:
- bed level raising;
- flood plain reconnection;
- re-meandering;
- soft revetments;
- bank protection;
- fish passage improvement.
We also offer a range of bio-engineering and light civil engineering cervices such as pedestrian bridges and flood defence, acting as a designer and contractor as required.
Talk to an expert
In depth
What are the benefits of river restoration?
There are a number of reasons why river restoration can benefit your project, including those listed below:
- to solve erosion problems;
- to remedy structural issues;
- to reduce flood risk;
- to enhance a local habitat, or to contribute to wider ecological improvements;
- to improve amenity benefits, such as angling and tourism;
- to help control river temperatures;
- to improve water framework classification;
- to help achieve targets for biodiversity net gain.
In depth
Why should I choose FiveRivers for my river restoration project?
River restoration is our specialism: we’ve earnt the trust of countless clients for over 25 years due to the quality of our river restoration work. Additionally, we are members of the River Restoration Centre (RRC), a national body which champions best-practice river restoration, habitat enhancements and sustainability. Click through to our case studies page to see some examples of our river restoration work.
One question you might have about this service is: is river restoration expensive? You’ll be pleased to learn that FiveRivers aim to work in the most holistic and cost-effective manner, using site-won materials where possible to complete all river restoration works.
Talk to an expertTestimonial
The team were flexible and skilled and the machines allowed a huge quantity of work to be completed in a relatively short period of time.
Charlotte Hitchmough, Action for the River Kennet
Further Reading
Case Studies & Related Services
Chimney Meadows Wetland Restoration & Fish Passage
Case Study
FiveRivers worked closely with Atkins and JCTR Ltd. to deliver this ambitious habitat restoration scheme for Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT). The project was separated into different sections; the largest of which being the excavation and construction of a naturalised fish bypass channel that created connectivity for fish species to move between the main channel of the Thames and the Duxford Loop.
Habitat Restoration at Bushy Park
Case Study
The driver for these works was to improve biodiversity and provide significant ecological benefits for invertebrates, fish, birds and flora.
Localised dredging and minor clearance of Triss’s and Fishers Pond into berms improved water quality. The installation of oak drop board water control structures across the feeder stream and newly created inflow channel has ensured consistent flow.
Lake and Pond Creation
Service
Ponds aren’t just an attractive feature for your garden: they’re the bridge between terrestrial and aquatic habitats, and extremely important to the survival of countless wildlife species.
Ponds serve as a place for invertebrates, animals and amphibians to eat, rest, breed and, ultimately, play their role in maintaining vital ecosystems, and it’s for this reason that we at FiveRivers are dedicated to crafting waterbodies with the wider environment in mind.
Do you have a project in mind?
Contact us
Talk to an expert in
river restoration.
Martin Whitfield
Managing Director
Get in touch by either phone or email to speak with Martin and discuss your needs.
Telephone: 01722 783 041
Thank you for booking.
To stay in touch, please sign up to our newsletter.
Return to five-rivers.com