Waterway Restoration
More than a clear-up — it’s a comeback.
We transform degraded waterways into safe, sustainable corridors for navigation, nature and community use.
Waterway Maintenance Services
Our Specialist Waterway Restoration Services
Neglected waterways don’t just vanish—they silt up, overgrow, and crumble beneath the surface. We bring them back to life. The Rothen Group specialises in restoring rivers, canals, and inland waterbodies to their former glory—fully functional and ecologically resilient.
Whether you’re dealing with decades of degradation or a watercourse that’s simply lost its way, we provide full-service water restoration – combining engineering precision, ecological sensitivity, and a deep hydrological understanding. We assess each site, developing tailored solutions that include vegetation clearance, dredging, landforming, revetment work, and structural repairs.
We understand that no two waterways are alike. We bring together a multidisciplinary team of engineers, operators, and environmental specialists to restore water flow, protect habitats, and reconnect communities with their local water networks.
Looking for experienced waterway restoration contractors in the UK? Contact The Rothen Group for expert support and a free site assessment.
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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.
Waterway restoration transforms old, neglected rivers, canals, and inland waterbodies, returning them to a healthy, functional state. Each waterway has its own purpose, history, and level of disrepair – so every restoration project requires a tailored approach.
It could include removing silt, clearing overgrown vegetation, securing the bank, installing or repairing infrastructure, adding piles, dredging and desilting, puddle clay or liner installation, bridge or lock repairs, and ecological enhancements such as revetment planting. The most crucial aspect is that this process must be done in harmony with the natural landscape, providing present and future generations with a remarkable asset.
What is waterway restoration?
Our waterways are an inheritance. Whether it’s the ancient rivers, Victorian canals, or other inland waterbodies, they’ve served people and nature in the past, present, and, if we take our responsibility seriously, long into the future.
Waterway restoration is about remaining true to that commitment. But it’s also practical, covering improved navigation, reduced flood risk, greater biodiversity, and a closer connection between communities and local blue spaces.
Why is restoring waterways important?
Yes. In fact, we’re highly experienced in working on heritage canals and designated sites, using appropriate materials and methods that respect historical integrity while bringing the site up to modern structural integrity standards.
Heritage and protected sites are often in the greatest state of disrepair and neglect. We believe it’s crucial to restore them to their former glory, giving future generations a chance to enjoy these incredible environments.
Do you work on heritage or protected waterways?
Project timelines vary depending on site size, access, and the extent of degradation. Some smaller restorations take a few weeks, while full watercourse recovery may span several months. We provide clear, realistic timelines from the outset.
How long does waterway restoration take?
Yes. The Rothen Group is a full-service waterway restoration company, offering everything from initial assessments and engineering to construction, planting, and long-term maintenance planning. We manage the process from start to finish.
If you’ve got a particular objective or vision for your site, speak to our team. We always work with stakeholders and local communities (where possible) to decide the future of a site. We can handle everything you need, including building and installing new lock gates, replacing old liners, or adding new metalwork. Whatever your vision, we can help realise it — from lock gates to habitat enhancements.
Do you offer full-service restoration?
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The Rothen Group
The Rothen Group is a trusted leader in waterway restoration across the UK. With decades of hands-on experience, we help restore rivers, canals and inland waterbodies through a unique blend of civil engineering expertise and environmental care.
From small-scale recovery projects to full canal restorations, we work alongside local authorities, waterway trusts, and private clients to deliver practical, long-lasting results. Our team includes engineers, operators, and environmental specialists who understand each site's technical, ecological, and heritage demands.
