About Us

Established by Simon Cain in 1984

When the Water Authority dredged several miles of pristine chalk stream habitat on Wiltshire’s River Ebble in 1984, Simon Cain put aside his fishing rod and set about trying to rectify the damage. During the ensuing period Cain Bio-engineering Ltd. (CBE) was founded and Cain apprenticed himself to the complex study of chalk stream restoration and environmental river engineering. 25 years later he and his core team of specialists enjoy an enviable track record as one of the most prolific and successful river restoration teams in the UK today.

With ever-increasing pressures on our riverine environments, Cain Bio continues to evolve in response to widespread demands for viable alternatives to traditional hard engineered solutions.

Over the past decade CBE has forged a reputation for cutting-edge design and project implementation across a wide variety of restoration and erosion control projects. These range from major inter-tidal defence assignments to streams, rivers, canals and lakes in both urban and rural locations.

Cain solutions are sympathetic to the environment and tailored to each site. We ensure that our designs are as natural and appropriate as possible whilst remaining effective and durable in the long term.

As part of our complete service we handle all issues relating to Flood Defence Consent and environmental due diligence especially with regard to mitigation of protected species such as water voles. Our specialist and experienced Consultants liaise with the Environment Agency, Natural England, Wildlife Trusts, Local and Regional Authorities and other relevant parties at every stage in a project's development to ensure that the appropriate solution is agreed, approved and delivered.

Our Project Managers and Consultants ensure that each project is delivered to budget and on time by our in-house teams of river technicians who construct the works exactly as specified by our Designers.

By providing a highly individual service to our clients, especially where there is a genuine desire to improve environmental quality, many of the projects completed by Cain are pioneering and truly unique. Our aim is to be the best at what we do.