I'm currently working in Laos on a project to landscape and plant up the gardens of an eco trekking retreat. I have come upon the first major snag. I'm hoping some of the wise people on here maybe able to offer some advice.
The plot of land is next to the Nam Tha river in Northern Laos. It's on the outside of a bend next to a steep bank, so erosion is a major issue. With the usual lack of planning in this part of the world, this was not considered a problem.
A couple of months ago, before I arrived, a freak storm saw the river rise 3 metres, washing away around 2 metres of the land. A couple of large, top heavy, shallow rooted bamboos added the erosion as they tumbled over, taking even more ground with them.
Now we have to protect the bank and reclaim some of the land. The bank is approx 50m long, and 4m high.
Access comes to within 15 metres of the site, after which all material will have to be carried up a short slope.
There is little in the way of expertise out here, my skills are in soft landscaping, so I'm out of my depth. None of this erosion problem was pointed out until I arrived which was a bit of a shock to say the least.
The general plan is to build an embankment with rocks and stone available locally. Labour and material is easily available, it's skill that's in short supply!
I've attached some pics so you can get the general idea. So if you have any advice, ideas or possible plans I would really appreciate your help.
Thanks very much for your time,
Nathan
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Replies
Have you considered using gabions?
Thanks for replying. Gabions would be a great option if we could source the cages. Perhaps we can make them out of local fencing materials.
+1 for the gabions...they're really ideal for this situation. Like you say, if you can't source the cages then it would probably be possible to create something usable locally.
Another option might be a willow (or locally appropriate species) revetment - some good examples here...
http://www.willowbankservices.co.uk/?gclid=CKiNg5X4xbwCFeKWtAodoDMANw
might be worth getting in touch?
good luck, is this a volunteer thing for you?
I would 100% back the gabion suggestion to solve this option.. I have done similar in the past and it works very well. you can even plant in amongst the stone you back fill with to soften up the look
However like you said if sourcing gabions is a problem then a way round it would be to build up the bank and whilst you go construct steps in the back filled material. Then you can layer rock/aggregate over the top to support and protect the bank. i have drawn a small diagram if it helps to make sense of the idea. The often do it this way on the banks of railways through the midlands and surrounding area's
oh and between the layers add a textile or membrane as this will also add structural support