New sluice put through its paces

One of the three new 'flexipipe' sluices for adjusting ditch water levels on Grove Farm's wetland restoration fields has been put through its paces during the autumn rains.  The control structures, designed to elevate the water table in adjacent Higher Level Stewardship fields are operated by an ingenious rope pulley system rigged up by Mr Tony Longhorn, the gamekeeper on the farm.

The 10 year Stewardship Agreement between farmer Mr Sid Craggs and Natural England calls for damp soil conditions to attract breeding waders, particularly snipe and lapwing. By raising the upstream end of the pipes the water table can by held higher in spring, just as the natural wet field conditions begin to decline.

Project Officer Tim Burkinshaw was keen to see that the new structures were capable of holding water back before the critical April -June period arrives when the sluices will come into operation. Tim explains "For the winter months it is important that we allow the the drainage system to work unimpeded, as excessive periods of splashy field conditons can harm the soil structure and populations of soil invertebrates which the birds will feed on". "Now that we know that the sluices are watertight the levels will be dropped until next Spring."

The work was carried out by farm tenants John and Chris Gibson and digger operator Chris Render. Gamekeepers Tony and Mick also helped out with the installation and obtaining materials. The sluice design, drawn up by Tim with advice from the RSPB wetlands advisor has been used successfully on other conservation sites.  Some minor improvements will be made over coming weeks, and some additional water control structures are planned,  but farmer Sid Craggs is very pleased with the result so far, and rightly so. Many thanks to all involved in this team effort! We look forward to watching if the birds approve...