November 21, 2024

Stunning wildlife pool on Dartmoor

We met our lovely client for this project at Chagford Show. They wanted to have a wildlife pool created in their field, which at one time provided pasture for horses but had been unused for sometime. There is a brook that runs alongside the field, so this was perfect for ensuring there would be a regular flow of water in to the pool.

After doing a site visit, it was determined that planning permission would be required from Dartmoor National Park. As a company that offer a complete solution from design to completion, we took care of the planning application, drawings and ecology survey.

It did take a few months for the planning to be approved, but as it’s a natural wildlife pool, it is a great addition to the biodiversity of the area so there were no complaints on that front.

The heavy plant & equipment moved in and started shaping the pool. The removed material was used to build up a dam on the right hand side of it, as the field was on a slope and we needed to create a water level. Drainage was then put in to the bottom of the pool, and backfilled. Geosynthetic liner was then used to line the pool and ensure it holds water at all times. This was then backfilled over and gravel was laid to ensure a gin clear finish to the water quality. Granite rocks were discovered when excavating the pool, and these were placed around the pool with care to ensure a natural look, but also platforms for wildlife to enjoy the pool from. The path down to the pool was gravelled and we waited for nature to fill it up. The project was finished in a couple of months, and the clients can now enjoy all kinds of wildlife in their own little paradise.