Installing a bespoke land drainage scheme for Woburn Deer Park, enhancing their feeding capabilities

“From start to finish, the drainage project was completed in a professional and considerate manner whilst maintaining a very high standard of work” – Will Waldron, Deer Manager

With the initial plan for White Horse Contractors to create a bespoke drainage scheme design at the Park, the client was made aware of our land drainage abilities and appointed us to deliver the full scope of works.

The Challenge

Woburn Deer Park needed to make the feeding station and surrounding areas safer for the deer across multiple areas on the 3500-acre site. During the wetter months, the client described it as “impossible” to access the feeding areas in poor weather conditions.

Bedfordshire Estates Deer Department required a capable contractor with the correct machinery to install sufficient pipework to improve drainage rates and ultimately increase feeding capabilities for the 2,000 head of deer at Woburn Deer Park.

The Solution

With a 65-year history in agricultural land drainage, we utilised our Mastenbroek 15/15 trencher installing 14,000 linear metres of pipe.

Our experienced team operated our track topper; backfilling 1400 ton of stone into the trenches. These enhancements to the failing grounds will mean that Deer Manager Will Waldron will benefit from better conditions when aiming to increase feeding times for the deer on site:

From start to finish, the drainage project was completed in a professional and considerate manner whilst maintaining a very high standard of work. The staff I dealt with are a credit to the company.

I would happily deal with White Horse Contractors again and recommend them to any of my peers within the industry.

Will Waldron, Deer Manager, Bedford Estates

Our specialist drainage division ensured the successful delivery of this project with the utmost respect for the beautiful surrounding areas and wildlife.

Adhering to the contract in place, we have completed drainage installation works on budget and within the fixed timeframe. We designed and installed the drainage successfully to meet the estates' needs.

Over 1,400 tonnes of aggregate backfill

14,000 linear metres of pipework installed

Results

White Horse has successfully installed drainage pipes connecting to one of the park’s lakes, as well as various wetlands and ponds. Bedford Estate’s investment will not only improve working standards on the site but also benefit the ecology.

As always White Horse considers the environmental impact of every project. The key for us is to improve biodiversity, when possible, in all our drainage and environmental projects. We regularly work with wildlife and charity organisations to ensure the very best outcomes for all. The deer and other wildlife on site will benefit from much safer conditions in poor weather. This outcome was hugely important to our client, and we have provided an efficient and sustainable drainage solution for the estate.

Thank you to Bedford Estates for instructing us and Will and his team for their support on this project. We look forward to revisiting the park soon.