We were approached by Mr and Mrs Cohen in the Autumn of 2006. The spring fed pond on their property was filled with what proved to be more than a meter of detritus. The dam leaked. The water level was well below potential and the spring had eroded the soil on the input. The area was surrounded by fallen and self seeded trees. After discussion with the client and after getting permission from the local council in the spring of 2007 we cut down and burnt the unwanted trees, keeping the good(ash) wood for the wood burning stove.
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The pond was drained and a bypass pump from the spring to below the pond works installed. Land drains were installed to dry out the boggy and inaccessible areas. We built two dams near the pond for the detritus both designed for level areas when the final landscaping is undertaken. As it was impossible for a dumper truck to enter the pond the detritus was removed, moving it with two 360 degree excavators, hand over hand and placing it in the two damed areas. It will remain for a year whilst it dries out after which the area will be landscaped and made into level lawns.
The tree stumps were removed, and buried, with care being taken not to damage a 19th century housing for a ram pump. We found evidence of old water piping in the dam, this along with tree roots in the recent sluice boards accounted for the failure to hold water. The old working were photographed and blocked before re-claying the affected area. A new 500 mm ribbed double walled " monk" was installed in clay to set the water at at the highest practical level . Two planting shelves were built below water level.
Fittleworth rock was imported to make a new waterfall into the pond and this was installed with butyl rubber and geotextile in order to take the spring water from the existing holding tank via a newly created stream to the top of the rock to form a waterfall.
The working area was fenced off to keep out cattle from adjoining fields. Post and rail fences are planned after final landscaping.
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On one edge of the pond where the banking was steep and the client wanted access but not decking, edging board was installed using green oak posts and boards. This was brought out 600mm into the pond and the area behind covered with geotextile and filled to above water level with 20mm stones. This was blinded with Geotextile and top soil and then seeded.  This allows for a firm dry 600 mm walkway at the side of the pond only 70mm above the finished water level. A first I think.
A landing stage was built using 8 inch square uprights and green Oak boards. David Hall came in to carve 2 acorns on the top of the posts.
Now full, the water at time of writing is pea green and partially covered with an unattractive brown algae which will go in time when planted with oxygenating and marginal plants.
The project took under 6 weeks with further works planned for next year when the detritus is dry and lawns and the working area can be top-soiled, rotivated and seeded for lawns .
The clients have worked closely with us in the evolution of the project and are now delighted with the project. Lovely people.
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