Sluice and Weir Restoration in Breckland

Water structures in Breckland have been saved due to innovative thinking by our drainage team which was called in to repair an existing weir and sluice in Lower Buckenham, Norfolk.

Previous repairs to the weir and sluice which hold back acres of water had failed, threatening the surrounding flora and fauna.

The MOD, which owns the land, had been advised that replacement was the only solution. But after consulting William Morfoot Ltd, our creative thinking and innovative approach highlighted a repair technique to improve the efficacy of the existing structures.

Plans were drawn up and a four week repair programme commenced, including creating a coffer dam to allow the structures to be refurbished and implementing the use of underwater mortars for a turnkey solution.

Large amounts of reinforcing steelwork was used to tie the new structure to the existing, creating an solid structure to last for many years to come

As the land was used as an MOD training camp and also designated a conservation area, we worked very closely with all the relevant parties involved adhering to stringent environmental control methods whilst also ensuring the MOD operations could continue as normal.

Justin Morfoot, Technical Director at William Morfoot Ltd, managed the project and commented: “The existing sluice had grown incredibly long in the tooth and was in need of urgent repair as sections were collapsing and water was leaking down the sides.

“Our water management experience enabled us to identify suitable methods of repairing the site without the MOD having to go down the route of costly replacement methods.”