Conkers Bank Repair

The Project

The Ashby Canal is a well-used and popular towpath for awide range of recreational users. This sustained level of footfall and activity, combined with natural processes such as water movement and weathering, has led to the development of localised pockets of bank erosion along certain stretches. ​

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If left unaddressed, they have the potential to worsen overtime, resulting in more significant bank instability, partial collapses, and even towpath failures that could pose safety risks and require more extensive intervention.

We were asked to assess the situation and propose arange of practical and effective remediation options to stabilise the affected sections. ​We recommended the use of concrete-filled sandbags as a preferred solution which offers several advantages: the sandbags can be installed in relatively short, targeted lengths, making them well-suited for addressing isolated problem areas without the need for large-scale disruption. ​

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Additionally, they are highly adaptable and can be more easily shaped to match the existing curved profile of the canal bank, unlike more rigid alternatives such as sheet piling, which can be less sympathetic to the natural alignment.

Overall, this method provides a cost-effective and efficient solution. ​With proper implementation, concrete-filled sandbags can deliver long-term stability and resilience, reducing the likelihood of future erosion and ensuring the towpath remains safe and accessible for continued public enjoyment.