Managed alignments
We are the UK’s specialist national contractor for earthmoving, crushing and recycling, and sea and coastal defence works.
Balancing flood resilience, coastal defence and ecological enhancement
Managed alignment schemes are complex environmental engineering projects designed to balance flood resilience, coastal defence and ecological enhancement. OEC delivers precision earthmoving and land re-profiling works that enable sustainable tidal or fluvial realignment across the UK.
These projects typically involve controlled breaching of existing defences, construction of new embankments, bund formation and large-scale reprofiling to create floodplains or intertidal habitats. Successful managed alignment depends on careful sequencing, accurate level control and strict adherence to hydrological modelling.
We take pride in delivering high-quality work that is also cost-effective. By planning carefully, using our fleet efficiently and reducing unnecessary material movement, we help clients achieve better value without compromising safety, durability or programme certainty.
OEC’s fleet capacity allows efficient bulk earthworks while maintaining environmental sensitivity. We implement sediment control measures, temporary water management systems and habitat protection strategies to ensure compliance with regulatory approvals and ecological objectives.
Working collaboratively with environmental engineers, planners and principal contractors, we translate technical design into stable, resilient landforms that meet both flood risk and biodiversity targets. Material re-use is prioritised to reduce waste and minimise off-site haulage, aligning with sustainable project objectives.
Managed alignment projects demand both heavy civil engineering capability and environmental awareness. OEC combines these disciplines to deliver schemes that enhance long-term coastal and river resilience while supporting ecological restoration and landscape integration.
Medmerry Scheme
Medmerry Scheme
Frequently Asked Questions
Need to know more?
Managed realignment projects help reduce long-term flood and coastal erosion risk by creating sustainable flood storage areas, strengthening natural coastal processes and improving resilience against rising water levels and storm events.
Ovenden Earthmoving Co Ltd (OEC) delivers managed realignment earthworks across the UK, including embankment construction, bund formation, land reprofiling, floodplain creation and controlled defence breaching for coastal and environmental engineering projects.
OEC works closely with environmental engineers, planners and regulatory bodies to deliver environmentally responsible schemes. We implement sediment control measures, habitat protection strategies and temporary water management systems while maintaining strict compliance with ecological and hydrological requirements.
Related services
