X-twitter Facebook Instagram Linkedin Youtube
Contact

Fenland land drainage

  • Delivering precision drainage for specialist crops

Tackling challenging soils in
below-sea-level fields

Aerial view of farmland in the Fens showing a large-scale drainage project with freshly installed
In the winter of 2024/25, our team took on a large-scale land drainage project for a long-standing client farming in the heart of the Fens. The farm, known for its diverse range of specialist crops, sits below sea level—where heavy clay subsoils create a major barrier to natural drainage. Without effective water management, these fields can quickly become waterlogged, threatening crop yields and farm productivity.

Surveying the land for tailored drainage solutions

Before any work began, we conducted a detailed TOPO survey across a large section of the farm. This involved collecting data from the fields themselves as well as the surrounding watercourses, ensuring that every aspect of the drainage system was designed to work in harmony with the existing landscape.

A key challenge in this project was the farm’s reliance on an internal drainage board (IDB) system. Every private dyke on the farm plays a role in maintaining precise water levels, meaning that any new drainage installations had to integrate seamlessly with the wider water management strategy.

A collaborative approach to land drainage

Working closely with the farm’s owners, our design team developed a strategic works programme that combined ditching improvements with large-scale land drainage installation. Over 250 acres of farmland were included in this phase, creating a long-term drainage solution that would future-proof the farm’s operations.

On-time, on-budget, and built to last

Despite the challenges that winter conditions can often bring, all drainage works were completed on time and within budget, allowing the landowners to move forward with spring preparations without delay.

Even in a drier-than-usual winter, the newly installed drains were already flowing—clear evidence that the system was working exactly as intended. A rewarding sight for our team and a valuable investment for the farm, ensuring optimal conditions for another successful growing season.

Key takeaways

  • Heavy clay soils and below-sea-level fields make drainage a constant challenge for fenland farmers.

  • Over 250 acres were drained, ensuring the land is ready for spring planting.

  • Even in a drier-than-usual winter, the newly installed drains were already flowing—proof of a system built to last.
More Case Studies

Precision drainage for challenging fenland

Aerial view of a large-scale agricultural land drainage project in the Fens, showing heavy clay

Restoring peat - rewinding wetlands

Newly installed drainage system visible as water flows across the fenland farm, demonstrating effective water

Expanding Holkham’s wetlands for wildlife​

Excavator working on a fenland farm, installing drainage systems to improve land conditions and ensure
Follow us on Social Media
Facebook Twitter Linkedin Youtube