Waterway Maintenance and Restoration

Lowther Forestry Group 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.

Trusted By Main Contractors, Utilities and Public Bodies

Selected Project

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE AND VEGETATION MANAGEMENT

Environment Agency North Hub Framework

Lowther were named as primary supplier to the Environment Agency within the North Hub region in April 2018, delivering routine maintenance, vegetation management and pest control works across Cumbria and Lancashire on a five-year framework.…

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Testimonials

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Great service for firewood - good quality logs.

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Jim White

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Top class people to deal with. Tash in head office is great. Contracts manager Tom is a great lad. Done a lot of business with them over the years, always first class.

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Steven Reaper

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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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Five Offices Across the UK

Our grounds maintenance teams and specialist plant are deployed from regional offices in Penrith, Castleford, Runcorn, Milton Keynes and the West Midlands. Each office supports locally based crews equipped to work on steep, waterlogged and ecologically sensitive terrain, providing responsive coverage across England and Wales.

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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.