Common Farm, Heathwaite, Orrest Head & Scout Beck – NFM Restoration

TM Lindsay Ltd delivered natural flood management (NFM) works across Common Farm, Common Wood, and nearby catchments above Windermere, designed to reduce peak flows into Mill Beck while improving habitat diversity and water quality.

The project created a network of ponds, seepage ponds, scrapes, and wetlands capable of storing approximately 11,500m³ of water during heavy rainfall events. These features slow runoff, promote infiltration, and provide valuable habitat for wildlife. All works were undertaken using low-ground-pressure machinery and completed with immediate re-seeding to ensure rapid vegetation recovery.

Monitoring is ongoing, assessing water levels, flow rates, and water quality indicators (pH, phosphate, and turbidity).

Key Activities:

• Excavation of ponds, scrapes, and seepage features following Dynamic Rivers’ design using QField mapping

• Controlled storage, reuse, and reinstatement of topsoil and subsoil to minimise waste

• Installation of sediment control measures (silt curtains, straw bales, sedimats, temporary diversions, or over-pumping systems)

• Creation of online ponds with variable depths and side slopes to enhance habitat diversity

• Excavation of wetland scrapes and shallow depressions to increase biodiversity

• Construction of large wood features (LWFs) using whole trees and root boles to slow flow and stabilise banks

• Ditch infilling using compacted site-won material to restore natural hydrology and reduce artificial drainage

• Final grading, profiling, and seeding of all disturbed areas using ATV-mounted grass seeder for rapid establishment

• Ongoing monitoring and collaboration with the Environment Agency to assess performance and inform future NFM design