At Sweco, we deliver a fully integrated river consultancy service across the UK – from initial site and condition assessments through to river restoration or enhancement design, implementation and post-project monitoring.
Our in-house specialists collaboratively combine technical excellence in hydrology, geomorphology, and ecology with a proven track record in design delivery and regulatory engagement. Whether the aim is to restore natural habitats, achieve Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) or manage flood and scour risk, we provide evidence-led solutions that balance nature-based (soft / green) and engineered (hard / grey) interventions to suit the physical, ecological, and regulatory context of your site.
Our water specialists have all the skills required for a sustainable management of water resources. We protect surface and groundwater quality and champion nature-based solutions to manage water availability and flood risk. From long-term regional water resources management plans to local studies, we ensure our clients always meet their regulatory obligations while promoting innovation, resilience and cost-effective solutions.
Enrico Isnenghi Water Environment Department Manager
Our river expertise at a glance
Initial Engagement & Scoping
Early consultation to define objectives, review site constraints and agree the scope of assessment.
River Condition Assessment (RCA)
Accredited staff able to undertake field (Modular River Physical (MoRPH)) and desk-based surveys to establish baseline river condition, assess over-deepening and identify risks and opportunities.
Design & Optioneering
Development and appraisal of river enhancement options using modelling, costings and stakeholder input to identify the most effective approach.
Detailed Design & Permitting
Preparation of full design specifications and drawings, with support for regulatory approvals and permitting.
Implementation Support
Technical input during construction, including contractor support, adaptive design, and quality assurance.
Post-Project Monitoring & Evaluation
Ongoing performance monitoring/assessment and maintenance planning to ensure ecological and hydraulic outcomes are achieved.
River Condition Assessments (RCAs)
Sweco’s Water Environment and Ecology teams deliver expert-led River Condition Assessments (RCAs), from this we can provide end-to-end consultancy support – from feasibility studies and option appraisal to the detailed design, planning and delivery of river enhancement measures.
Why do I need a River Condition Assessment?
If your project affects a watercourse, an RCA is essential. It’s the only recognised method for assessing river habitats under the current Biodiversity Metric– a core requirement for delivering BNG. Without it, developments risk delays, higher costs or non-compliance.
Ultimately, an RCA provides the evidence needed to support planning, inform design, and identify opportunities for meaningful river enhancement.
Benefits of a professional RCA
Meet legal requirements for BNG
The Environment Act 2021 mandates that developments deliver measurable biodiversity improvements.
RCAs are the only accepted method to score river condition.
Without an RCA, river habitats may default to ‘Poor’ condition – making BNG harder and more expensive.
Local authorities are increasingly requesting RCAs as part of standard planning submissions.
Minimise project risk and cost
Early RCA insight helps identify constraints and habitat value up front.
Avoid delays or costly redesign at the planning stage.
Reduce the risk of underestimated mitigation or compensation needs.
Enable better targeting of BNG units – potentially reducing reliance on expensive off-site credits.
Unlock opportunities for river enhancement
RCA findings often reveal low-cost, high-impact necessary improvements that support biodiversity and satisfy regulators.
Support multi-benefit outcomes, such as flood mitigation and amenity value.
Help secure external funding.
Promote sustainable design
RCA results directly inform enhancement and restoration strategies.
Support a balanced approach between engineering performance and ecological value.
Strengthen business cases with measurable environmental gains.
Demonstrate leadership and best practice
Build trust with local communities, regulators, and stakeholders.
Enhance ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) credentials – important for infrastructure, utility, and public sector clients.
What does an RCA involve?
RCAs combine field-based and desk-based assessments to establish the condition of a watercourse and identify opportunities for enhancement.
MoRPh Survey (Field-Based Assessment)
Carried out by our accredited surveyors, MoRPh surveys:
Measure 32 indicators of river condition
Assess four key morphological zones:
▪ Bank top
▪ Bank face
▪ Channel margin
▪ Channel bed
Record habitat structure, sediment dynamics, and flow features
Includes over-deepening assessment
Capture positive and negative indicators influencing river health
River Type Survey (Desk-Based Assessment)
A classification of the river’s hydrogeomorphological type, based on:
Catchment setting
Channel form and structure
Natural processes and potential for adjustment
Combined, these assessments deliver:
A condition score
Classification into one of 15 river types under Biodiversity Metric
A robust baseline to inform BNG calculations and design
What can RCA outputs support?
Design optioneering and enhancement strategies
Regulator and stakeholder engagement
BNG watercourse calculations and proposed habitat creation and enhancements
Funding applications and ecological justification
River design & optioneering services following RCAs
Sweco’s strength lies not only in assessing river condition but in translating those insights into sustainable, buildable solutions. Our team develops solutions grounded in real-world site data and regulatory context.
From natural flood management to infrastructure upgrades, we deliver technically robust and environmentally progressive schemes that balance ecological value with long-term performance.
Nature positive thinking provides benefits for both people and the planet, and can also be more cost-effective than other alternative ‘non-natural’ alternatives. A core element of the green transition, focusing on nature not only reduce the impacts of climate change but actively enhances biodiversity – building resilience and enhancing adaptation to climate change by helping to safeguard human health, combat food and water scarcity and reduce the risk of disasters such as flood and extreme heat events.
With multi-disciplinary expertise across the planning, design, engineering and asset management lifecycle, we can guide you on the possibilities and opportunities of a nature-positive approach and also help implement and manage them with our global network of biodiversity and engineering specialists for long-term gains.
Together with our clients and the collective knowledge of our 22,000 engineers, consultants and other specialists, we co-create solutions to address urbanisation, capture the power of digitalisation, and make our societies more sustainable. With international multi-disciplinary teams, we can call on the right insight and technical capability at the right time from across Buildings, Infrastructure, Advisory & Planning and Compliance.
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