The start and end of the year are typically the wettest months, making it the perfect time to perform general maintenance on your land drains and watercourses. Here are our top tips to ensure your drainage systems continue working effectively.
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Check your ditches
Ditches play a vital role in managing excess rainwater on farms. They should be regularly cleaned to prevent build-up of silt and debris. The best time to clean ditches is during autumn and winter to minimise disruption to wildlife. Excavating the ditch or clearing vegetation can help maintain water flow, as shown in the video below by Dave Jones from Hatton Bank Farm.
To protect wildlife, dredging should only be carried out when necessary rather than annually. For a full guide, read our article Guide to Maintaining Drainage Ditches on Farms.
Check your culverts
Culverts provide safe access across ditches into arable fields and help maintain consistent water flow. Blocked culverts can back up ditch systems, causing nearby land to become waterlogged. Regularly inspect culverts for debris and ensure they are the correct size and height after excavation. If undersized or raised, the culvert may need replacing to maintain proper flow.
Check your land drain outfalls
Land drainage pipe prevents fields from becoming waterlogged and improves soil structure by directing excess water to an outlet. Many systems installed over 30 years ago — typically clay — can fracture or become blocked with silt and roots. The best time to inspect them is after heavy rain, when it’s easiest to spot whether water is flowing freely from outfalls.
Learn more in our guide How to Check Your Land Drainage Is Working. If your drains are blocked, they can often be cleared with a jetter or rodder. Severely damaged pipes, however, may require replacement.
Check your headwalls
A headwall should be installed wherever a land drainage outfall enters a ditch or watercourse. Its purpose is to protect the outfall and surrounding embankment from erosion. Well-designed headwalls are recessed into the bank to prevent debris build-up and ensure water flows freely. Regularly check for cracks, blockages, or silt accumulation that could restrict drainage.
How can Cotterills help?
Cotterills supply a comprehensive range of land drainage products, including land drainage pipe, twinwall pipe, culvert pipe, and headwalls.
Our team of specialists can provide expert advice on the best product for your application. Call us today on 0121 351 3230.
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