Waterway Maintenance and Restoration

Lowther Forestry has a rich history in protecting and restoring the UK's waterways. We are proud of our ongoing partnerships with government agencies, trusts, charities and private landowners, and our ability to develop cost-effective, ecologically sensitive maintenance and restoration programmes for rivers, canals, estuaries and wetlands.

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What We Deliver

Our waterway maintenance programmes cover in-channel clearance, debris removal, riparian vegetation management, silt removal, bank stabilisation, erosion control, litter clearance and habitat restoration. Every programme is tailored to meet conservation objectives, regulatory requirements and stakeholder needs.

We deploy a wide range of specialist equipment to access difficult aquatic environments. Our fleet includes amphibious plant, ultra-low ground pressure tracked equipment and Menzi Mucks, enabling our teams to work in-channel, in boggy margins, reedbeds and shallow watercourses with minimal environmental impact.

All work is carried out by trained operatives using best-practice techniques to protect water quality, wildlife and public safety. Every project is supported by full risk assessments, permits and transparent reporting. Flexible scheduling and rapid-response teams for emergencies, combined with long-term monitoring, ensure sustained asset health and ecological resilience.

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NHSS 18A, 18B
and 18C Accredited

Fully accredited under the National Highway Sector Scheme for landscaping and arboricultural works, ensuring compliance and quality across all grounds maintenance operations.
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Specialist Plant for
Every Terrain

Metrac mountain tractors, ultra-low ground pressure tracked equipment, amphibious plant and robotic mowers allow our teams to operate safely on steep, waterlogged and sensitive ground.
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Long-Term Framework
Partnerships

Continuous approved supplier to a major UK water utility since 1980, and primary supplier to a national government agency under a multi-year regional framework.

Proven Delivery Across Decades of Partnership

Our grounds maintenance work is built on long-term framework relationships with some of the largest infrastructure and environmental organisations in the UK. We deliver both programmed maintenance schedules and responsive works, drawing on a proven track record developed over more than four decades. From routine grass cutting across large asset estates to specialist vegetation management in ecologically sensitive environments, our teams bring the experience, equipment and consistency that framework clients require.

Grass cutting and vegetation management by Lowther Forestry
Grass cutting and vegetation management by Lowther Forestry

Trusted By Main Contractors, Utilities and Public Bodies

Selected Project

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE AND VEGETATION MANAGEMENT Grass cutting and vegetation management by Lowther Forestry

Environment Agency North Hub Framework

Lowther were named as a primary supplier to the Environment Agency to deliver works across three regional hubs: Cumbria & Lancashire, Greater Manchester & Cheshire and Yorkshire in 2024. Delivering routine vegetation management (both in…

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Testimonials

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Thanks so much for going the extra mile to keep our roads safe. Your commitment to excellence really shows. Keep up the fantastic work.

5 Star Review for Wired by Jessops (Cornwall) icon.

Nationally recognised accreditations

NHSS 18A, 18B and 18C accredited for landscaping and arboricultural works. Certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001.

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BALI (British Association of Landscape Industries) logo
ISO 9001 logo
ISO 45001 logo
ISO 14001 logo
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Five Offices Across the UK

Our regional offices sit in Penrith (Cumbria, head office), Castleford (Yorkshire and the North East), Runcorn (North West), Milton Keynes (South and East) and the West Midlands. Tree surveying and Advanced Tree Assessments are run from our Penrith team and travel nationally. Project teams come from the office closest to your site.

See Our Regional Offices

Common Questions About Waterway Maintenance

What types of waterways do you work on?
We maintain and restore a wide range of waterways including rivers, canals, estuaries, wetlands, drainage ditches and ornamental water features. Our teams work with government agencies, trusts, charities and private landowners across the United Kingdom.
Do you have specialist aquatic plant and equipment?
Yes. Our fleet includes amphibious plant, ultra-low ground pressure tracked equipment and Menzi Mucks. This specialist machinery allows us to operate safely in-channel, in boggy margins, reedbeds and shallow watercourses while minimising environmental impact.
Can you handle emergency flood response work?
We maintain rapid-response teams that can be mobilised at short notice to deal with flood events, blockages and other waterway emergencies. Our flexible scheduling means we can support both planned maintenance programmes and urgent call-outs.
How do you protect water quality during works?
Water quality protection is central to every project. Our operatives follow strict best-practice techniques, use appropriate silt control measures and carry out full risk assessments before work begins. We hold all necessary permits and provide transparent reporting throughout.
Do you work with the Environment Agency?
We have established working relationships with the Environment Agency and other regulatory bodies. Our teams are experienced in meeting the compliance standards, permitting requirements and environmental protocols that these partnerships demand.