The aim of the project was two fold; firstly to reduce the water volume and surface area of lagoon No. 1, thereby declassifying it’s status under the Reservoirs Act 1975, and secondly to create wetland areas for wild fowl in general but with a specific intention to attract bittern.
The works involved the excavation of hard sediment from the base of the lagoon to form deepwater channels. The spoil generated was in turn used to build a retaining dam across the lagoon. Approx 10,000m3 of silt was then excavated and carted to the area behind the retaining bund. A further 5,000m3 was then excavated, carted and used to fill a deep channel in adjacent lagoon No.2.
The areas between the deep water channels in lagoon No.1 were then landscaped to give a ‘ridge and furrow’ effect just below the water level. This would provide the habitat for a variety of aquatic plants as well as wildlife.
New water levels were set and controlled by the installation of No.3 pre-cast concrete weirs. Find out more about our environmental works.
