Wetlands Construction


Following the tremendous success of Turfdry's work at Firs Farm Park in Enfield in 2014 - which saw the restoration of a watercourse that had previously been diverted underground, and the construction of a flood barrier - Turfdry was again contracted by Enfield Council, this time to construct wetlands at Pymmes Park, Edmonton. 

Working in conjunction with the council, Turfdry helped design a scheme whereby material excavated to form the proposed wetlands cells was used to construct a raised bund that will become a wild-flower meadow.


Whilst the works progressed smoothly, they were complicated by efforts to preserve the natural world. Certain trees in the park are of particular significance, and the logistics of the operation were shaped in such a way that machinery did not track over their roots; additionally, one particularly fine fir tree was moved from the site of the wetlands to elsewhere in the park.

The preservation of history, as well as nature, had a bearing on this project, as excavation works unearthed what appeared to be a small air raid shelter. A team of archeologists worked in conjunction with Turfdry for a number of days, revealing what was in fact quite a large communal air raid shelter that had likely been constructed just before World War II, for use by those in the park at the time of attack, as well as local residents. After recordings had been made, the majority of the shelter materials were buried beneath the wild-flower meadow, bar one wall, which was left for posterity.


With all excavation and re-levelling works completed, planting has taken place in the wetlands, which should flourish and provide good coverage within 12 months. This will not only add further aesthetic value to the park, but also provide a rich habitat for plants and animals. 


Subsequent visits to the park have revealed a rich and diverse array of plant-life now populating the wetlands, reducing water pollution, as well as providing a home for a wide number of animals and birds.


Project Summary

Services Provided by Turfdry

  • Major Excavation
  • Land Re-Modelling
  • Wetland Construction
  • Pitch Re-Levelling
  • Wildflower Bund Construction
  • Site Security

Client

Enfield Council


Website

Address

Enfield Council
Civic Centre
Silver Street
Enfield
EN1 3XA