The Brief

FGS Pilcher was appointed to deliver a major wetland creation and river restoration scheme within the Upper River Beult catchment in Kent, following a successful competitive tender.

FGS Pilcher, working alongside Habitat Regeneration, the South East Rivers Trust and with funding support from Sainsbury’s, delivered an innovative wetland creation project at Coldharbour Farm in Kent.

Designed around the principles of sustainable water management, the project sought to create a new 1,900m² wetland that would improve water retention, slow water movement through the landscape and create valuable wildlife habitat.

As weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable, projects such as this demonstrate how nature-based solutions can help farms and estates become more resilient to both flooding and prolonged dry periods. By holding water within the landscape for longer, wetlands support natural water storage, improve water quality and contribute to long-term environmental resilience.

The Challenge 

The objective was to transform an area of agricultural land into a functioning wetland capable of delivering multiple environmental and water management benefits.

The scheme needed to retain more water within the catchment, prevent rapid runoff and create habitats for a wide range of species while integrating naturally into the surrounding landscape.

Achieving these outcomes required careful earthworks, precision levels and specialist construction techniques to ensure the wetland would function effectively throughout the year.

The Solution

Using specialist earthmoving equipment, FGS Pilcher carefully stripped approximately 150mm of topsoil from the 1,900m² wetland area and surrounding land before repurposing surplus soils to restore field levels elsewhere on the farm.

Three strategically positioned clay plugs were installed within the existing ditch network to slow water movement and encourage natural wetland formation. A 125-metre key trench removed existing land drains that previously bypassed the site, allowing water to infiltrate naturally and remain within the landscape for longer.

Surplus clay was then used to construct a berm and shallow bund that directs overland flows into the wetland, increasing the site’s capacity to capture rainfall and improve natural water storage. A controlled outlet structure was installed to regulate water levels while maintaining effective drainage during higher rainfall events.

To maximise ecological value, a fallen oak tree was incorporated into the wetland to provide habitat for aquatic species and create future feeding opportunities for kingfishers and other wildlife.

The Outcome

The completed wetland delivers far more than habitat creation. It is a long-term investment in water resilience, helping retain water within the landscape, slow peak flows during heavy rainfall and support healthier ecosystems throughout the year.

By capturing and storing water naturally, the wetland contributes to improved climate resilience, reduces downstream flood risk and supports water security across the wider catchment. At the same time, it provides valuable habitat for aquatic plants, invertebrates, fish and bird species, enhancing biodiversity and strengthening ecological connectivity.

Projects such as Coldharbour Farm demonstrate how engineered earthworks and nature-based solutions can work together to create resilient landscapes that benefit farming, wildlife and local communities alike.

With extensive experience in wetland creation, earthworks and water management, FGS Pilcher delivers practical, sustainable solutions that help landowners adapt to changing weather patterns while investing in the long-term health and resilience of their land.

Project Benefits

• Improves water resilience across the landscape
• Increases natural water retention
• Slows surface water runoff and supports natural flood management
• Enhances biodiversity and habitat connectivity
• Supports long-term climate adaptation
• Delivers sustainable, nature-based water management
• Built using specialist earthworks expertise