Cambridgeshire

New Wildlife Pond Construction

This half-acre new pond construction was designed to enhance the setting of the family home and serve as a focal point from the drive as well as from reception rooms.

The Brief

  • Design and build a new pond to attract wildlife
  • Views from various aspects of the new house and drive
  • Be in proportion with the size of the house and field and leave room for a marque and parking

Before

After

Surveys

Following excavation of test holes across the site to assess the underlying subsoil, it was determined the lake would need to be lined.

The lake was designed to have a water depth of 3m to create a natural ‘cold core’. This not only helps combat algal growth and reduces evaporation, but also increases dissolved oxygen ­- which is required to maintain a healthy, balanced aquatic ecosystem.

The survey data enabled the production of detailed design drawings to support the planning application. As part of the design process, the lake was digitally 3D modelled and the earthwork quantities balanced to ensure all excavated topsoil could be re-incorporated on-site before the project began.
Additional design work included a jetty and lake edge profile, with specific attention to how they interfaced with the lining system.

Earthworks & Drainage

All excavated soil was used on-site to marry the lake into the surrounding contours.

Drainage was installed under the liner to prevent any potential ground water from lifting the liner membrane.

Lining

A geotextile underlay was laid over the finished lake subsoil profile, followed by the liner membrane, which was subsequently covered by a geotextile overlay.

Topsoil was placed over the geotextile overlay to 750mm below water level, after which it was covered by a 75mm layer of clean shingle. This gave the lining system membrane additional protection as well as enhanced the aquatic habitat.

Jetty Construction
The lining system was sandwiched by concrete footings cast below and above the liner. The jetty was then constructed, in green oak timber with steps on the front to aid swimmers.

Seeding

After all the topsoil had been spread, a final cultivation and grading works ensured perfect conditions ahead of sowing a mix of wildflower grass and amenity grass seed.

One Year Later