Reinforcement works conducted on the riverbanks of the park’s moats
Refurbishment and securing works have been launched by the Department of Loiret on the riverbanks of the park’s moats which were particularly damaged. This construction site which represents a 1.3 million euro investment should last six months.
The riverbanks reinforced by more than 800 metres
Located in front of the castle, the 25 hectare park offers a beautiful walk to visitors. Bordered on three sides by the Sange, this type of peninsula enables the development of a remarkable fauna and flora. This is proven by the fact that a part of this area has been granted the ENS classification. Unfortunately, this balance is fragile and the riverbanks of the park’s moats have been particularly damaged. Refurbishment and securing works have been launched by the Department of Loiret, so a 1.3 million euro construction site has been established.
This area, having been classed as a Historical Monument and been classified under the Environmental Code, is subject to a riverbank reinforcement by more than 800 linear metres. For the safety of walkers and the entire ecosystem, it was essential to act. According to Yves Bergot, the man in charge of the canal and environmental service within the Departmental Council of Loiret, “the water has progressively dug under the riverbanks giving the impression that the riverbank rests on firm ground while it is directly in balance with the water with a tree alignment situated above.”
The danger was that, with the riverbanks no longer being stable, they could have collapsed, which is why the access to the riverbanks was protected by split stake fences to avoid anyone approaching them too closely. In addition, at some point, the trees, in case of strong winds, could break free from the ground and therefore threaten to collapse as well.
Two solutions have been provided for this:
At the bottom of the site, coconut fibre fascines will be positioned to stabilise the riverbanks. Yves Bergot tells us all about this soil bioengineering technique: “It consists of sowing coconut fibre fascines with local plant species which will grow above them and will enable the stabilisation of the riverbank.”
The riverbanks - closer to the castle - are consolidated by a stone revetment, a wall on an embankment composed of dry stones which holds down the ground. This wall must be reconstructed to a large extent because it is often inadequate. The canal and environmental service will rely on the still present foundations to reassemble the supporting walls which surround the riverbanks.
The works have started and will last about 6 months. This refurbishment is necessary for the preservation of the castle’s environment and its ecosystem, and the securing of the access to the park for walkers and visitors.