High Energy Rivers | Salix

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High energy rivers carry powerful flows that can quickly erode banks, wash away soils and threaten nearby habitats and infrastructure. Their fast moving waters demand robust protection that can cope with extreme conditions whilst still working with nature.

Salix delivers nature-based solutions designed to withstand the forces of high energy rivers. From reinforced erosion control and bank stabilisation to innovative anchoring and natural restoration techniques, our systems provide the strength needed to resist powerful flows while encouraging long-term ecological recovery.

Products suitable for High Energy Rivers

All Products+

Pre-filled Rock Mattresses

Rock Mattresses are a robust and permanent revetment for use around reservoirs, shorelines, lake edges, streams and river banks. They are cost-effective revetments that are suitable alternatives to rock rip rap and gabions...

Pre-filled Rock Rolls

Pre-filled Rock Rolls are a robust and permanent revetment for use around reservoirs, shorelines, lake edges, streams and river banks.

VmaxC350 is a permanent Turf Reinforcement for reinforcing soils. The VmaxC350 incorporates a coir fibre layer to provide instant erosion protection, whilst the three-dimensional grid provides significant long-term protection.

A high tensile strength, 22mm deep high strength 3D skeleton Geomat with additional benefit of a coir fibre composite layer.

Aqua Rock Bags®

Ecological AquaRockBags are tough revetments that can be used to protect assets in rivers, deep water and intertidal projects.

See our work in action...

Erosion Protection on the River Leith, Thrimby, Network Rail

Salix provided an environmentally sensitive erosion control solution for Network Rail on the River Leith, using RockLock™ and TerraLock™ systems to stabilise the embankment, reduce carbon impact, and promote natural habitat restoration.

Yearl Weir

Following severe flooding in West Cumbria, Salix reinstated eroded riverbanks on the River Derwent near Yearl Weir using AquaRockBags and live rootwads. The bioengineered solution provided durable erosion protection, restored habitats, and safeguarded key infrastructure with low-carbon, environmentally sensitive design.

High Energy Inter Tidal Solution on the River Exe

Pre-filled Rock Mattresses on the River Exe provided a fast, cost-effective, and environmentally sensitive flood protection solution, creating stable embankments that reduced erosion while enhancing aquatic habitat and biodiversity.

River Bank Erosion Management at Wisley Golf Course

At Wisley Golf Course, Salix regraded unstable riverbanks along the River Wey and installed pre-established Coir Rolls and Coir Pallets, combined with hydroseeding, to prevent erosion naturally. Strategic placement of local stone enhanced fish spawning habitat, creating resilient, ecologically valuable banks that have withstood major floods while improving aesthetics.

River Washford Roadwater Erosion Protection

Salix restored a failing 40 m riverbank on the River Washford using Rock Rolls and Shear Stress Turf, delivering durable flood protection and improved habitat within a confined, sensitive site.