Coir Mesh™ coir erosion control blankets are open weave, pure coconut, meshes that offer the strongest and most durable natural fibre surface erosion control solutions available. They are therefore recommended on sites where erosion forces/climate are harsh, or plants slow to establish.
Coir mesh erosion control blankets are open-weave, pure coconut fibre mats that provide natural, biodegradable surface protection against soil erosion on slopes, riverbanks, drainage channels, and coastal embankments. SSI Environmental supply coir mesh matting across Ireland in a range of densities to suit everything from gentle slope revegetation to high-energy riverbank stabilisation. Unlike synthetic geotextile alternatives, coir mesh breaks down naturally over 3–5 years, leaving behind an organic seedbed without microplastic residues.
Why Choose Coir Mesh?
- 100% natural coconut fibre fully biodegradable, no microplastics
- Highest tensile strength of any natural fibre erosion blanket
- Controls surface erosion while promoting vegetation establishment
- Creates a favourable microclimate: retains moisture, shelters seedlings from windrock
- Slow decomposition (3–5 years) provides long-term protection during vegetation establishment
- Suitable for high-energy environments: riverbanks, coastal sites, uplands
- Available in multiple densities for light to severe erosion conditions
Product Specifications
| Specification | Light Grade (400g/m²) | Medium Grade (700g/m²) | Heavy Grade (900g/m²) |
| Applications | Gentle slopes, wildflower seeding | Embankments, golf courses | Riverbanks, coastal, uplands |
| Erosion Severity | Low | Moderate | Severe |
| Mesh Aperture | Open weave, large aperture | Medium weave | Tight weave, looped pile option |
| Biodegradation | 2–3 years | 3–4 years | 4–5 years |
| Roll Width | 2m standard | 2m standard | 2m standard |
Irish Applications
- OPW-managed riverbank stabilisation and flood defence works
- Motorway and road embankment revegetation (Transport Infrastructure Ireland)
- Coastal erosion protection (dune stabilisation, cliff toe reinforcement)
- Wildflower and native meadow restoration projects
- Golf course bunker face and fairway bank stabilisation
- Wind farm access road slopes and disturbed peatland restoration
- Drainage channel lining in agricultural and forestry applications
Typical applications for coir meshes include riverbanks and drainage channels (where flow rates and stresses are high); exposed sites such as uplands or coasts; wildflower restoration (because plants require longer to develop); and recreation areas (as abrasion is high).
Coir Mesh™ coir erosion control matting effective controls soil loss and promotes sedimentation; create a favourable micro climate to promote growth; shelter seedlings against windrock; decompose slowly to provide prolonged protection; and their high tensile strengths can be utilised to offer temporary soil reinforcement.
A wide range of coir mesh densities, and patterns (including looped piles), are available to provide the ideal balance between surface protection and the requirements of flora.
To enquire about this product – call us on 01 8665676 / 087-9367065 or contact us here
FAQ
Q: What is coir mesh used for in erosion control?
A: Coir mesh erosion control blankets are pinned to exposed soil surfaces on slopes, riverbanks, drainage channels, and embankments to prevent surface erosion by rainfall and runoff while vegetation establishes. The coconut fibre mat holds soil particles in place, retains moisture, and shelters seedlings during establishment.
Q: How long does coir mesh last before it biodegrades?
A: Coir mesh breaks down naturally over approximately 3–5 years depending on the density grade selected. Light grades degrade in 2–3 years, while heavy grades last 4–5 years. By this point, vegetation should be sufficiently established to maintain slope stability independently.
Q: How is coir mesh installed on a riverbank or slope?
A: The mat is unrolled down the slope from the top, with a 150–200mm overlap between adjacent rolls. It is secured using biodegradable wooden pegs or U-pins at 1m intervals across the slope and 0.5m intervals along the edges. Seed mix is either pre-seeded under the mat or broadcast over it during installation.
Q: Is coir mesh better than synthetic erosion matting?
A: For environmentally sensitive sites, coir mesh is preferable because it is fully biodegradable, leaves no microplastic residues, and supports biodiversity by providing natural habitat structure during decomposition. Synthetic alternatives last longer but require removal and disposal and are unsuitable for riparian zones.