Grove Farm milestone

The Project's fourth and most substantial water control structure to date was completed in November on Grove Fm, Cayton. The dropboard-style sluice was designed by the Project Officer to cope with the particular challenges of the soft, permeable peat soils on site. The sluice consists of a dam of sheet piling made of recycled plastic, into which is fitted a bespoke metal frame, fabricated in Scarborough, to receive timber boards.

For most of the year the watercourse will flow though the opening at normal levels, but during the nesting season water tables can be manipulated by adding or removing boards to raise the water level in the ditch. Farm contractor Dennis Brown, who was new to both the design and materials did a commendable job solving initial practical challenges - including arranging some additional welding to improve the fixing of the metal frame.  

Two more minor structures remain to be done over coming months to convert exisiting piped drainage culverts to adjustable pipe sluices but this dropboard sluice completes the major water level control infrastructure for the HLS agreement.