Woking Ponds
Client:Dyer & Butler Ltd
We were short listed for Sustainable Designer of the Year by Building Magazine mainly due to this scheme which involved the restoration of parkland ponds with a number of innovative and sustainable solutions.
Scope
The project involved the restoration of two ponds plus the creation of a third pool and a water cascade, spillway, water-retaining diaphragm wall, water feature, footbridges, bridges, decking, viewing platforms and seating.
Content
The scheme involved clearing the heavily silted ponds and overgrown vegetation on the banks. Over 300 tonnes of sediment was re-used to re-contour the area and help grow a new lawn.
As part of the restoration 170m of specially engineered, clay lined trench was installed. This helps to retain the water in the ponds and bring the water up to original levels.
The water cascade has 10 cubic metres of water flowing over it per hour which refreshes the air and improves the water quality by increasing the oxygen content. The cascade and the ponds are topped up using rainwater collected from the roof of the adjacent swimming pool which is stored in a high-tech underground tank.
The viewing areas are designed to entice visitors and educational groups who are keen to find out more about local wildlife.
Achievements and benefits
We finished runner-up for Sustainable Designer of the Year 2005 by Building Magazine due to this scheme.
Wildlife, including nesting birds and frog spawn, has moved back to the area and over 2500 grasses, shrubs, ferns and aquatic plants were planted.