2000
Blackford, Perthshire & Kinross
Highland Spring Water
Torith Ltd
Kiloh Associates
Sustainable River Diversion and Erosion Control at Highland Spring Bottling Plant
The new two stage channel during construction
Two stage channel immediately after construction
Diverted water course around new warehouse & car park
2 Years post construction showing 2 stage channel
Watercrowfoot & other good ecology indicators established
Challenge
Highland Spring Water Ltd, a leading UK bottled water company, experienced significant growth in demand and required an expansion of its bottling facility in Blackford, Perthshire. The site, located in the Ochil Hills, is environmentally sensitive and holds a unique distinction as the first natural mineral water source in the UK to have its entire catchment area awarded ‘Organic Status’ by the Soil Association. Protecting this pristine environment was essential to maintaining both regulatory compliance and brand integrity.
The expansion project required the diversion of the Allan Water, a natural watercourse that ran through the development site. Planning consent for the river diversion was dependent on maintaining or improving the ecological value of the watercourse, making environmental enhancement a core project requirement.
Challenging ground conditions further complicated the design. The site consisted of weak, highly permeable soils, including peat, which are particularly vulnerable to erosion and instability. Any newly constructed channel would therefore require robust erosion control measures. In addition, the channel needed to support a constant base flow while also accommodating increased volumes during storm events. This required the design and construction of a two-stage channel capable of handling variable hydraulic conditions without compromising stability or environmental performance.
Solution
Maccaferri Ltd was engaged to provide an engineered solution for sustainable river diversion, erosion control, and channel stabilisation. To construct and maintain the two-stage channel profile using on-site soils, MacMat® R was specified. This advanced three-dimensional polypropylene geomat, reinforced with a corrosion-protected steel wire mesh, delivers long-term erosion protection and structural support.
MacMat® R provides an effective solution for soil erosion control by stabilising the channel surface while maintaining its designed geometry. Its open matrix structure, consisting of approximately 95% void space, is highly conducive to vegetation growth, allowing roots to penetrate easily and reinforce the soil naturally. Over time, the system promotes sediment retention and natural vegetation establishment, improving the ecological value of the channel.
To address the challenge of maintaining a consistent base flow over permeable peat soils, the channel was fully lined with Macline GCL, a high-performance geocomposite clay liner. Despite its slim 5mm profile, Macline GCL provides a hydraulic barrier equivalent to approximately one metre of traditional puddle clay. Its self-sealing properties eliminate the need for specialist installation, ensuring efficient construction and long-term reliability.
To further enhance biodiversity and replicate natural river morphology, geomorphic features were incorporated into the channel design. Variations in channel width and flow patterns were created using strategically placed boulders and woven wattles. This approach improved habitat diversity and ensured compliance with environmental regulations requiring ecological enhancement.
The final solution delivered a stable, erosion-resistant, and environmentally sustainable watercourse that meets both hydraulic performance requirements and ecological objectives, supporting Highland Spring’s continued growth while preserving its unique natural environment.
Used Products
