In early 2012, Paterson Design Strategies specified a compost blanket be used as erosion control on an upcoming project. ‘Cavanstone’ is the name of the housing estate being built by AV Jennings, which backed onto a very large batter on the northern face of the site.

The batter measured approximately 12,000m² and consisted of a clay and shale rock mixture that would have been difficult to plant into and eventually stabilise. It would have been a costly exercise as well. It was essential to the scope of the work that the solution was able to arrest erosion as well as effectively beautify the area.

Scapeworks Australia's trucks installed Ecoblanket into the site and guaranteed the success of the project. The completion of the slope stabilisation was paramount to the whole development as the site was residential and the area needed to be appealing to the clients of AV Jennings.

Ecoblanket is an erosion control technique that requires a specified compost blanket installation. The blanket is seeded with a site appropriate seed list and a cover crop. The Ecoblanket, seeds and any site amelioration is generally all carried out in one step by the blower trucks. This method is extremely effective with the added benefit of excellent environmental credentials.

The compost used in the Ecoblanket has been diverted from landfill, providing a realistic use for a recycled product. It has been processed, tested and applied to site in one step to replace the missing humus layer on poor or stripped sites.

In addition to an increased plant germination and growth compared to traditional seeding methods, the Ecoblanket provides a ready-made ecosystem for fauna, from microorganisms to birdlife and small marsupials.

For more on the Ecoblanket technique visit Scapeworks Australia.

Images (top to bottom): Pacific Highway - Kew; Cavanstone project, installation; Cavanstone project, 2 ½ years after installation.