River Maintenance
More than water — it’s your flood protection, ecosystem stewardship, and infrastructure maintenance. We manage rivers with the care and precision they deserve.
Waterway Maintenance Services
Our Specialist River Maintenance Services
Rivers are dynamic, powerful systems – without care and maintenance, they become dangerous and unpredictable. The Rothen Group provides expert river maintenance services, managing water flow, bank stability, and infrastructure protection.
From debris clearance and vegetation control to routine riverbed dredging and large-scale river repair, we support landowners, councils, and waterway authorities in managing erosion, sediment build-up, in-channel vegetation, and structural faults. As an experienced river dredging and maintenance company, our approach is practical and forward-thinking, balancing engineered solutions with environmental care.
Whether you need flood prevention through river maintenance, environmentally sensitive river dredging, or long-term support for infrastructure, we’re here to help — with the right equipment, expert team and flexible approach.
Looking for help with river maintenance — from dredging and desilting to debris clearance and bank repair? 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.
We often refer to several different terms when discussing rivers. Two different approaches include:
River management is a broader term that includes planning, monitoring, and long-term stewardship of the river system. It’s less action-oriented and more observational. River management sets the agenda for maintenance, protection, and restoration.
River maintenance is more day-to-day, referring to hands-on tasks – like dredging in rivers, clearing debris and litter, repairing damaged areas, securing riverbanks, and removing problematic vegetation.
There’s no conflict between the two. In fact, The Rothen Group is highly experienced in both aspects of river stewardship, helping stakeholders plan for the future as well as take care of the problems of today.
What’s the difference between river management and river maintenance?
The frequency of riverbed dredging depends on flow rate, sediment load, and site usage. In most cases, we recommend dredging a river every 5 to 10 years – although that can be as frequent as every 2 to 3 years in high-silt, flood-prone areas or heavily used waterways. The goal is to keep the rivers passable and usable and to reduce the overall risk of flooding.
How often should riverbed dredging be carried out?
No – or, at least, not when it’s done properly. There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to dredging rivers (and river maintenance in general). People assume that removing silt and sediment from the riverbed destroys ecosystems and damages the environment.
That’s not the case. The Rothen Group uses low-impact equipment, e.g., floating barges, and works closely with ecologists and other experts to minimise disruption to habitats. In many cases, dredging can improve water quality, supporting long-term biodiversity.
We always perform an impact assessment to determine the risk to fish spawning grounds, bank stability, and other ecological factors.
Is river dredging bad for the environment?
Yes. Rivers have a limited carrying capacity. The deeper the river, the more water it can hold. During heavy rains, if the water isn’t held upstream, it flows rapidly into arterial rivers, flooding the local landscape. That can destroy homes, infrastructure, and lives.
Dredging, desilting, vegetation management, and other river repair tasks reduce the risk of flooding and protect the wider environment.
According to the Environment Agency’s 2022 River Basin Management Plan, investments in river management with a total present value of £20.89 billion are expected to deliver £26.86 billion in benefits — resulting in a net gain of nearly £6 billion.
Can river maintenance help with flood prevention?
The Environment Agency, Internal Drainage Boards, councils, or private landowners are responsible for the UK’s river network, depending on the location. The Canal & River Trust also works closely with these stakeholders to manage and maintain rivers across the UK.
The Rothen Group partners with all of the above, offering expert advice, maintenance, and long-term support.
Who is responsible for river maintenance in the UK?
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The Rothen Group
The Rothen Group is a leading name in river maintenance and waterway engineering across the UK. With decades of hands-on experience and a commitment to quality, we deliver reliable, high-impact results that protect people, property, and ecosystems.
Our work spans river dredging, structural repairs, debris clearance, and flow restoration—supporting flood prevention, ecological resilience and long-term river health. Whether it’s a routine clearance or a complex multi-stretch project, we take pride in delivering high-quality, reliable services that keep the UK’s river networks working as they should.
