POND DESILTING & DITCH        RE-PIPING PROJECT

Project Overview

In October 2025, our team undertook a pond desilting and ditch re-piping project in the village of Occold, near Diss in Suffolk. The project aimed to restore the pond’s capacity, improve water flow, and ensure the longevity of the local water management infrastructure.

Mobilisation and Equipment

The project commenced with the transportation of a 2.5-tonne specialised steel-tracked excavator to the site. This equipment was essential for the initial clearance and excavation tasks. Later in the project, we also brought in an 8.5-tonne long reach excavator with a 9-metre reach, as well as a 9-tonne dumper, to facilitate the desilting of the pond and movement of excavated material.

Site Preparation and Clearance

Upon arrival, the team’s first task was to clear trees and brushwood from around the pond and adjacent ditch. Using chainsaws, pole saws, and hand tools, we methodically removed obstructions. Larger tree trunks were cut into manageable lengths for safe handling, while smaller branches, brushwood, and general debris were disposed of on site via a controlled bonfire. Additionally, a rotten wooden bridge was dismantled and also burnt, eliminating potential hazards and clearing the way for excavation.

Ditch re-piping

Attention then turned to the ditch. Using the specialised excavator, we systematically removed all silt, weeds, and debris, ensuring a clear and functional channel. New lengths of twin-walled ribbed pipe and connectors were supplied and installed, running from the original inlet pipe down to the restored pond. To protect the newly laid pipework, a membrane was carefully placed over the pipes before backfilling.

Pond Desilting Operations

The 8.5-tonne long reach excavator was tracked to the bank on the garden side of the pond, allowing for the efficient removal of silt and debris. Excavated material was loaded into the dumper and transported to an area near the newly installed pipework. The smaller 2.5-tonne excavator was then used to carefully place silt over the pipework, providing both coverage and stability.

Restoration and Finishing Works

With the pipework protected and the ditch levelled, the desilting process continued until the pond was fully cleared. The pond banks were then reshaped to restore their natural contours and improve the overall appearance. Finally, the team used the excavator to level the area and ensure the work site was left as clean and tidy as possible, minimising the environmental impact and leaving the garden with an improved and functional water feature.

Conclusion

The successful completion of the pond desilting and ditch re-piping project in Occold has restored the pond’s functionality and enhanced the properties drainage. Through careful planning, expert use of specialised equipment, and conscientious site management, the team achieved all objectives.

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