Project Details

"Lake Build at Oakfields House."

A recent project at Oakfields House in Cock Clarks, Essex for client Mr B is a sign of Grassform’s prowess in the field of lake construction and development. Grassform Plant Hire were contracted to create a private fishing lake for Mr B in the grounds of his house where an existing pond lay. The designs were drawn up two years ago to develop the existing pond into a fishing lake, but legislation meant that work could not start until October 2008, but was completed within one month.

Grassform Plant Hire worked on the project to build extra ponds that would accommodate the great crested newt population that was living in the existing pond area, and the transfer was carried out to the exact requirements of Natural England and other interested parties. The old pond was suffering from collapsed banks, poor levels and it even dried up in 2006 leaving fish stranded, so Grassform’s team ensured that the new 1.5 acre lake was fully puddled to alleviate leakage, and forms a kidney bean shape incorporating the old pond.

The lake construction at Oakfields House ranges from 2 to 3 metres in water depth, with a 1 metre deep safety shelf all around the perimeter. This in time will be planted up with reeds of which some have been reused from the original pond. Many existing trees have also been transplanted around the lake perimeter giving it an established feel before it is even filled up.

In early spring 2009 Grassform Plant Hire will return to site to complete the landscaping with wild flora grasses that will encourage local wildlife habitats. Once the lake fills it will be stocked with carp for Mr B’s own use but the mixture of habitats and water plants means that a varied fishing experience will be on offer. To reduce algae build up, Grassform Plant Hire has also installed an otterbine aerator fountain to give the optimum air to water exchange for the lake and to provide a very pleasing vista from the main house.

Grassform Plant Hire offer a full lake construction service with our dedicated and professional installation team. Please contact us if you require this service or wish to discuss anything - our advise is free!

Using high specification machinery is also important when developing a lake project. Grassform Plant Hire uses its own fleet of modern excavators and dozers fitted with lasers to obtain the desired depth, shape and contouring of the lake to tight tolerances. Grassform Plant Hire is also able to use its own tracked dumper fleet where required to minimise the reinstatement and impact of the construction process. Other lake features such as spits, islands or underwater contouring for fish swims are all part of the service we will provide.

Any lake has to compliment the surrounding countryside so the placement of the water feature can be very important. With over 25 years experience Grassform Plant Hire can offer advice on how the position and look of the lake can be as made as natural as possible yet meet the modern demands of a commercial enterprise. We also offer landscaping, tree planting, footpaths, maintenance tracks, swim and decking construction and reinstatement services to further enhance the finished project.