Gabion Basket Installation
Retain. Reinforce. Restore.
We use gabions, mattresses and rock armour to protect canal banks from slippage, erosion and collapse.
Bank Protection Services
Our Specialist Gabion Basket Installation Services
Preventing bank erosion and stabilising canals and rivers is a crucial part of waterway management, especially in areas prone to slippage, erosion, or high-water flow. The Rothen Group specialise in the design and installation of gabion walls, gabion mattresses, and rock armour throughout England and Wales.
Whether you’re reinforcing a failing embankment or safeguarding against a future collapse, gabion baskets are the perfect long-lasting solution for almost any setting. Our skilled team works with complete precision in challenging locations, using gabions to restore structural integrity without compromising the surrounding environments.
We’ve partnered with organisations like the Canal & River Trust and Kier for complex projects involving collapsed banks and restricted access sites. We plan every stage of the installation, from site inspection to construction, tailoring everything to the site’s unique conditions.
Need help with gabion wall installation or bank protection? Contact The Rothen Group for expert guidance and a free site assessment.
Gallery
FEATURED CASE STUDY
Habitat Creation Coney Meadows, Droitwich
Coney Meadows is part of a nationwide project to restore the UK’s wetlands. Since the 17th century, large areas of reedbeds have been stripped and converted into agricultural land, massively reducing the number of habitats available for wetland animals.
FEATURED CASE STUDY
Changing the Shape of the River Derwent, Derby
Following the storm seasons of 2023 & 2024, the EA set out to review its impact on the UK’s waterways. The River Derwent in Derby was flagged after a sonar scan of its navigation identified a scour hole – a direct result of heavy rainfall pushing sediment downstream.
A gabion basket is a wire mesh container filled with stone, usually medium-sized rocks. These baskets form a strong, stable, and permeable barrier, acting as a retaining wall and controlling erosion in waterway environments. Perfect for stabilising canals and riverbanks where water pressure and soil movement are a concern.
What is a gabion basket?
Gabion baskets are a common feature in waterways or on land – wherever a retaining wall is needed. We install gabion baskets and gabion walls along canal banks, river edges, and other inland waterways. They’re extremely useful as they’re cost-effective and easy to install. Installation involves excavating the bank, positioning the gabion baskets, and securely filling them with stone.
They're often used in areas at risk of erosion, bank slippage, or collapse — especially where traditional concrete solutions aren't suitable due to poor access or environmental sensitivity.
Where are gabion baskets used?
Gabion erosion control involves the use of gabions to prevent soil loss along water edges. Rivers (and some canals) alter their course by eroding the banks. The fast-flowing water removes soil and sediment, gradually carving into the landscape.
Gabions slow water flow, absorb energy, and prevent the loss of soil, protecting the integrity of waterways for decades to come.
What is gabion erosion control?
We use two types of gabions:
Gabion baskets are taller and used to create vertical or stepped walls. You’ll often find them along steep banks where there is a high risk of collapse or slippage.
Gabion mattresses have a lower profile and are designed for surface-level protection – ideal for lining banks, slopes, or high-flow water zones where scour is a risk. They primarily stop water erosion or push the water away from a crucial infrastructure.
What’s the difference between gabion baskets and gabion mattresses?
Made from rocks and wire, a well-built gabion wall should remain strong for 50 years or more, depending on the site conditions. We usually rely on either galvanised or PVC-coated mesh. We find it gives the best results and forms the sturdiest structures.
Each gabion basket installation is completed to withstand the local conditions, including water pressure, bank load, and seasonal changes in flow, according to our initial assessment.
How long does a gabion wall installation last?
Yes – in fact, canal bank gabions are one of the most cost-effective, low-impact, and environmentally-friendly solutions for bank protection. Strong, flexible, and almost completely natural, they blend seamlessly into both modern and heritage waterways.
Are gabions a good solution for canal bank stabilisation?
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The Rothen Group
The Rothen Group is a leading specialist in gabion basket installation and waterway bank protection across the UK. With decades of experience working on rivers, canals, and inland waterbodies, we’re trusted by organisations like the Canal & River Trust and Kier to stabilise banks, prevent erosion, and protect critical infrastructure.
We combine civil engineering expertise with practical site knowledge to deliver gabion wall installations that are strong, adaptable, and built to last — even in challenging, high-flow environments. Whether it's a collapsed canal edge or a vulnerable embankment, we bring the tools, techniques, and experience to deliver lasting results — first time, every time.
