Despite heavy rain the contractors made steady progress last week by using large water pumps with 6 inch diameter pipes to drain water from the ditches under construction into completed ditches on the site. As was found in the original experimental ditch, groundwater levels rise quickly after heavy rains which bodes well for the final design.

Sluices have been installed at many of the intended locations and connected to pipes that intersect the ditches. Lockable wooden drop boards will be installed as a method of controlling the flow of water from one part of the site to another.

This week, a pipe, sluice and headwall will be constructed that links the Reedbed to the existing water meadows to the south-east. This closely follows the line of an existing Victorian brick culvert that was blocked through a collapse within the structure. This old culvert has been left in situ as a possible habitat for ground-dwelling creatures such as amphibians, reptiles and possibly small mammals. It is also an interesting archaeological feature that may be investigated at a future date.

This new sluice, which is a key part of the project, will control the flow of water from the Reedbed into the meadows and is therefore a major contributing factor to the long-term management aim to enhance the water levels of these precious water meadows so close to our town.

During this construction phase, the surfaced footpath will be temporarily closed, while the outflow pipe is being installed. This may take a couple of days and we apologise in advance for any disruption caused.

Contractors will be required to restore the surfaced footpath to its original state at the end of the project but as more equipment movement is envisaged, is would be pointless to restore it at this stage of the project. However, contractors have offered to sweep excess mud from the footpath, when it becomes a problem.

Once again, we apologise for the temporary poor state of the footpath and if visitors have any other concerns please contact the Ranger on 01273 484408.

week seven -->