The Brief
Clock House Farm, a valued long-term customer of FGS Pilcher, is a leading fruit farm in Kent committed to sustainable and innovative farming practices.
They required a new 20,000m³ reservoir to support their expanding irrigation network. This project followed the successful completion of a previous reservoir two years earlier and is part of a wider strategy to increase on-site water storage capacity, with two additional reservoirs planned. The brief was to deliver a cost-effective, sustainable solution using on-site materials while meeting high standards of safety.
The Challenge
The site presented variable ground conditions, including sandy overburden and soft, uneven terrain. Natural springs created a risk of flooding and washout during excavation. These conditions required careful planning, precision execution, and the use of specialist machinery capable of operating effectively on soft ground.
The Solution
FGS Pilcher carried out detailed ground investigations using specialist machinery to assess soil conditions. Trial holes identified a seam of high-quality blue clay, which was mined to line the reservoir. The abundance of clay eliminated the need for liner materials, reducing costs.
To work safely on the soft terrain, low ground pressure dozers were deployed, alongside a scraper box and a 20-tonne excavator. These machines ensured work could continue efficiently where standard machinery would struggle. Two lagoons were constructed to capture and filter silted water from natural springs before over-pumping to a ditch for the duration of the construction project. The reservoir was accurately marked out and graded using GPS technology.
The Outcome
The 20,000m³ reservoir was completed in six weeks, providing Clock House Farm with a durable, cost-effective water storage solution built from on-site materials.
FGS Pilcher’s expertise in soil management, specialist machinery, and precision earthworks delivered a high-quality result safely and efficiently. The project supports Clock House Farm’s sustainable farming practices and strengthens the ongoing partnership between the two organisations.
