This project situated in the heart of the Meon Valley is one of our most exciting projects being undertaken this year. We have been invited to undertake some dramatic changes of an existing man-made lake, as well as some additional both hard and soft landscaping projects at the property.
Our first task is to undertake changes to the existing lake. Although relatively natural in appearance, the lake is lined with a liner, which regrettably had been poorly finished around the perimeter with the liner being trapped between now rotting timber edgings. There is no significant feature or planting around the lake, and is purely a large expanse of water.
The existing lake as originally viewed in 2008
Lake perimeter edging, originally installed with timber edging which is now rotting and becoming unstable
After months of careful design & planning, the construction of the lake renovation is now underway. The design includes the replacement of the existing edgings with stone, the addition of a hardwood deck at one end the end of the lake, and a hardwood bridge to cross the narrowest point. There will also be lots of both wet and dry planting areas to aesthetically soften the perimeter of the lake, and help it sit more naturally in its country environment.
Stripping turf off the proposed border areas, and dismantling of the existing dilapidated edgings
Lowering the water level enough to remove the edgings, and lifting of some existing planting to be relocated
The concrete foundations which will support the hardwood bridge, and the importing of hundreds of tonnes of topsoil for the planting areas
Commencement on the installation of the stone edging, building the first of two rock faces which will be installed, one at each end of the lake
Using mechanical help to move the larger rocks into place. The rock faces will eventually be softened with smaller cobbles, pebbles and planting
Installation of the woodland lake end, rock work in place, with layers of planting to blend aesthetically into surrounding woodland
The installation of the new Lake perimeter is well underway, with both ends of the lake now nearing completion - keep posted for new updates soon…
