Erosion control for strong banks
Near Middelburg, runoff caused severe erosion and unstable banks along an unvegetated watercourse. The banks were rebuilt to improve traffic safety, flood protection and ecology, while supporting rapid vegetation growth during establishment.
Challenge: when water shows its edges
In the outskirts of Middelburg, an unvegetated watercourse showed signs of significant embankment erosion. Recurring runoff washed away material, causing the embankment flanks to become unstable. The banks had to be rebuilt to ensure traffic safety, flood protection, and ecological enhancement. At the same time, vegetation needed to grow quickly and be specifically supported during the sensitive establishment phase.
Target image: quickly green, permanently safe, without dismantling
What was needed was a near-natural, completely biodegradable* surface protection system that would absorb immediate erosion parallel to the embankment surface, accelerate vegetation growth, and not incur any subsequent dismantling costs.
The solution: Naue Secumat® Green – naturally strong
Secumat® Green 60G5 was specified in combination with Secumat® Green PinW 30. The three-dimensional, randomly oriented filament layer acts like a biological root structure – holding fine soil on the surface, increasing shear resistance, and providing mechanical protection for seedlings. The biodegradable* filament layer remains effective until the natural root system takes over permanent erosion control. The hardwood peg is a suitable fastener made from renewable raw materials and securely anchors the filament layer to the subgrade.
Technical application: Surface-parallel erosion control for stream and channel embankments.
Implementation in three steps: profiling – fixing – vegetation
After profiling the embankment and levelling the surface, Secumat® Green 60G5 was installed in strips with joints and overlaps. Secumat® Green PinW 30 was used in a coordinated grid pattern to secure the material against lifting and shear stresses. Seeds suitable for the site were then sown, and a light topsoil covering optimised the seed-soil contact. The installation followed the design prepared by Naue’s Engineering and Design Department (EDD) and was supplemented with project-specific details for the edges (connections, junctions, and erosion protection functions).
Results that take root
Shortly after installation, the protection system visibly stabilised the embankment surfaces; erosion signs receded. As plant life began to develop, the vegetation quickly closed in – the different roots anchored the soil permanently. This minimised erosion and secured the banks. Unlike a concrete channel, the vegetated banks provide habitat for plants and animals.
Added value at a glance
- Natural: completely biodegradable* – no dismantling required.
- Turbocharger for vegetation: reliable protection during the growth phase.
- Stable surface: increased shear resistance against erosion near the surface.
- Slim installation: efficient installation with suitable fixings.
System recommendation: Secumat® Green 60G5, secured with Secumat® Green PinW 30 – for stable, vegetation-lined banks in small inland waters.
Project benefits
Immediate erosion protection
Secumat® Green stabilises the bank surface and retains fine soil while vegetation becomes established.
Faster vegetation establishment
The mat supports seedlings during the sensitive growth phase until the natural root system provides permanent erosion control.
No subsequent removal required
The system remains in place, eliminating dismantling work and associated costs.
Project information
- Project name
Bank restoration in Middelburg, Netherlands
- Client
Watershap Scheldestromen, Middelburg, Netherlands
- Products
Secumat® Green 60G5
Secumat® Green PinW 30
No. 01173
