Working with natural materials

Case Study - The Cabrach Trust

It’s been one year since we carried out the riverbank restoration works at Inverharroch (Cabrach / River Deveron) in partnership with The Cabrach Trust and the results are really encouraging.

Back in late 2023 / early 2024, heavy rainfall had caused serious erosion along the banks, threatening habitat, stability, and the landscape that people love.  We took a “working with nature” approach: using live willow spiling, bioengineering techniques, partner volunteers and design methods to re-stabilise and regenerate the bank. 

What we’re seeing now (12 months in):

• Strong willow growth emerging all along the bank, weaving into the soil and starting to anchor the slope

• The bank is now much more stable and resilient against flows and erosive forces

• Sediment is starting to build up behind the willow, helping re-connect floodplain and bank

• Habitats are recovering: marginal vegetation returning, more diversity along the riparian edge

These gains show exactly why nature-based approaches are powerful: they deliver stability and ecological value.

Why riverbank restoration matters (and why willow methods work):

• Vegetation (especially willow) brings root cohesion to soils, reducing risk of slumping or collapse

• Natural techniques are often more cost-effective and low carbon compared to “hard” engineering

• They enhance habitat: for insects, birds, aquatic life, and riparian plant species

• Over time, the vegetation becomes self-sustaining, requiring minimal intervention

• Restored banks reduce sediment loading downstream, improve water quality, and buffer flood impacts

You can read more about the whole project and see photos & video from the installation over on the Cabrach’s blog here: River Restoration Project