Stablising a Steep Soil Bank

[Kentjagman]

Hi, we have a 90 degree boundary corner of our site with a steep bank which is falling away both sides into neighbouring fields. Years ago it contained vegetation including tall conifers around the top, which stabilized it. Then around 20 years ago an irresponsible neighbour lite a small bonfire in mid-summer then disappeared in doors.
An army of firemen attended with multiple engines, but all vegetation was destroyed. We did get a healthy insurance payout from him to cover these and other losses incurred.

Since then rabbits have moved in and the bank is now falling away. Its around 20 feet high, slope minimum 60 degrees.

Looking for suggestions as to stabilizing without major engineering works. Many thanks. Colin

 

[Cowmansam]

If it sits wet enough I’d plant some willow they tend to root pretty deep and fast growing and cost nothing as will grow off bits just snapped off another tree

 

[Ffermer Bach]

can't you plant quick growing hybrid poplar trees?

First thing would be to gas the rabbits, not sure if you can still buy the tablets to put down the burries, that give off gas.

 

[puppet]

Agree that the rabbits will destabilise it and eat any new trees too. Gas, ferrets, whatever

 

[Dry Rot]

Agree that the rabbits will destabilise it and eat any new trees too. Gas, ferrets, whatever

Watching this with interest. Rabbits attract dogs. Any ideas on discouraging rabbit hunting dogs that like to dig?

 

[Jimfandango]

I know it's very late now but it is also still pretty cold. If I make a few willow stakes and bang them into the riverbed is there any likelihood that they will take?

 

[Cowmansam]

Yer pretty good chance but why would you want to block a river bed will cause it to flood surely you can plant on banks to sure bends but I wouldn’t go into the river bed

 

[Jimfandango]

Yer pretty good chance but why would you want to block a river bed will cause it to flood surely you can plant on banks to sure bends but I wouldn’t go into the river bed

Ok. I will give it a whirl tomorrow. There is a meander in the river which is undermining some big trees. I want to put some willow around the bank base to slow down any more erosion. I'm also going to put some higher up the river to increase the likehood of an oxbow lake. The environment agency won't let us just put rubble around the base of the tree to protect it but cutting and planting trees is apparently ok

 

[Cowmansam]

I did bank between a pond and a ditch ten years ago as it was getting unstable nearly every willow bit I stuck in grew got to about 25 foot chopped them all off at knee height last winter and there already coming back strong willow will need future management at some point or they get to big and snap off