Large-Scale Aquatic Restoration in East Brent

Engineering longevity and biodiversity in a Somerset garden

Location: East Brent, Somerset

Project Scale: 7m x 5m Private Pond

Core Expertise: High-Spec Liner Installation, Local Materiality, Indigenous Aquatic Flora

A backyard being prepared for landscaping, with a dug-out hole in the shape of a rectangle and a curved pathway, a blue tarp laid on the grass, a wheelbarrow, and houses with trees in the background.

Our Approach: Professional Engineering & Native Curation

A pond of this size requires a robust foundation to ensure it thrives for decades. Our approach combined industrial-strength materials with soft, ecological landscaping.

1. Triple-Layer Protection System

To guarantee the integrity of the 7m x 5m structure, we implemented a high-specification lining system:

  • Butyl Rubber Liner: Chosen for its exceptional flexibility and lifelong durability.

  • Dual-Layer Geotextile: We installed two layers of heavy-duty geotextile protection, one beneath the liner to protect against root or stone penetration, and one above to safeguard the rubber from the pond's internal contents.

2. Naturalised Bed & Locally Sourced Stone

The interior of the pond was crafted using a blend of subsoil and sand to provide a natural substrate for aquatic life. We utilised locally sourced stone to create structural interest and entry points, ensuring the pond's aesthetic remains true to its Somerset roots.

A small construction site with a dug-out pond bordered with rocks in a grassy backyard, with houses and trees in the background on a sunny day.

The Challenge: Creating a Resilient Statement Feature

The clients, Martin and Ann, required a substantial 35-square-metre wildlife pond to serve as the ecological heartbeat of their garden. Given the scale of the project, the primary challenge was to ensure total water security while maintaining an authentic, naturalised appearance that would seamlessly blend with the East Brent landscape.

The Goal: To build a large-scale, durable habitat using professional-grade lining techniques and locally sourced Somerset materials.

A man working on landscaping in a backyard, preparing a large, rectangular area with a shovel and wheelbarrow, with houses and a white fence in the background.
A person working on a large outdoor project, spreading or leveling material on a fabric ground covering, with a wheelbarrow and other tools nearby in a yard on a cloudy day.

The Results: A Thriving Wetland Ecosystem

Despite its robust engineering, the pond has quickly become a soft, lush habitat. With a central depth of 2ft, it provides a cool thermal refuge for aquatic life during the summer months.

When you work at this scale, the engineering has to be invisible. By using a triple-layer lining system, we give Martin and Ann peace of mind, but by finishing the interior with local stone and subsoil, the wildlife only sees a natural Somerset pool. It’s the perfect marriage of civil engineering and ecology.

Feature Observations & Species Recorded
Primary Oxygenation Native Hornwort provides essential natural filtration and water clarity.
Deep-Water Flora A Native White Water-Lily established in the 2ft central zone.
Marginal Diversity Purple Loosestrife, Yellow Flag Iris, and Flowering Bulrush.
Structural Integrity Butyl rubber and geotextile layers provide a stable, leak-proof environment.

Are you looking to restore the wild potential of your land?

From small-scale meadows to large-acreage rewilding projects, we provide the ecological expertise to help your landscape thrive.

Book a free quote