Maccaferri gabions and Reno mattresses have a long history of use in channelling works to stabilise river banks to gabion weirs to control the hydraulic flow within river systems. Maccaferri gabions and Reno mattresses has an advantage over rigid concrete sytems by providing high permeability, flexibility to match the channel profile and ability to encourage development of plant growth as well as providing habitat for river life.

Soil bioengineering brings living plants, structural and manufactured materials together in mutually reinforcing complimentary roles. The structural components initially protect the site by creating a stable, healthy environment for the plants to establish. This technology is useful in the stabilisation, restoration, reclamation and creation of slopes, streams, rivers, shorelines and wetlands. Maccaferri can offer a range of soil bioengineering techniques to satisfy both the technical, aesthetic and ecological demands for the application.

Coir logs are an example where the product provides protection to the toe of the river bank while acting as a natural planting medium for vegetation. Enkamat turf reinforcement mats allow grasses to be grown above the permanent natural flow level. This provides a natural transition from the stream to surrounding vegetation which can withstand high stresses generated during flood events with minimal damage and maintenance requirements.