Rock & Coir Roll Bank Protection
Natural protection, engineered to last.
Fast to install and proven to perform, coir and rock rolls are a go-to for bank revetment and restoration.
Bank Protection Services
Our Specialist Rock & Coir Roll Bank Protection Services
Rock rolls and coir rolls serve as fast, reliable solutions for reinforcing soft or eroding canal banks. The Rothen Group installs coir and rock roll systems across rivers, canals, and inland waterways, stabilising edges while encouraging strong vegetation growth.
Concrete, stone, and pilings aren’t the only solution to stabilise waterway banks. Rock rolls provide immediate structural support, which, when topped with pre-planted coir rolls, create a natural fringe that will only strengthen with time. The result is a strong, low-impact erosion control that boosts local biodiversity and minimises erosion – perfect for ecologically sensitive sites.
We tailor every installation to the site — securing rolls with stakes, wiring them into place, and anchoring them over natural banks, hazel faggots, or behind piles, depending on the ground conditions.
Need a natural, proven solution for canal or riverbank erosion? Contact The Rothen Group to arrange 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.
Rock rolls are mesh tubes filled with stones that line canals and riverbanks in high-flow or eroding areas. Similar to gabion baskets, they’re quick and easy to install, stabilising the sides instantly. Coir rolls, on the other hand, are biodegradable cylinders, often made from coconut fibre and pre-planted with vegetation.
Both of these structures are used along canals and riverbanks to prevent erosion, stabilise soft edges, and introduce and support vegetation growth. We often use them in ecologically sensitive locations where steel or concrete would be too invasive.
What are rock rolls and coir rolls? And what are they used for?
Coir rolls are long tubes of coconut fibres held together with mesh. Though not structural, they’re ideal for establishing vegetation that slows water, reduces erosion, and boosts biodiversity — making them perfect for restoration and remediation. Once installed, they take root quickly, forming a dense, natural fringe that lasts for generations to come.
How do coir rolls work?
Rock rolls and coir rolls work together synergistically. Rock rolls provide immediate structural support, reducing slippage and erosion on low-level canal and riverbanks. Coir rolls, in contrast, are relatively weak. They establish vegetation that, in time, slows the water and reduces erosion. Together, they offer a durable, natural-looking revetment that performs well in flowing water and ecologically sensitive sites.
We usually install these systems along any soft banks where there is evidence of erosion, slumping, or the risk of washout – especially heritage and conservation areas.
What’s the benefit of combining rock rolls and coir rolls?
A revetment is a structure or system used to reinforce or protect a bank or slope from erosion. In waterways, revetments involve materials like rock rolls, coir rolls, gabions, or timber. They’re most effective in fast-flowing water, e.g., the leeward side of a river.
Local communities often prefer rock rolls and coir rolls over gabions and timber as they’re less invasive and incentivise vegetation growth. However, they’re not suitable as retaining or load-bearing walls.
What does canal revetment mean?
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The Rothen Group
The Rothen Group is a leading specialist in waterway maintenance, repair, and erosion control across the UK. With decades of experience in canals, rivers, lakes, and inland waterways, we deliver tailored solutions that protect critical infrastructure while supporting the surrounding environment.
From installing rock and coir roll bank protection systems to large-scale dredging and restoration works, our team combines engineering expertise with on-the-ground knowledge. We work with public bodies, waterway trusts and private clients to deliver projects safely, efficiently, and with long-term results in mind.
Whether it’s a soft bank requiring low-impact stabilisation or a high-flow section at risk of washout, we provide practical, sustainable solutions built to perform.
