Wetland Creation at Pocket Farm, Fawler
Project at a glance
Completed October 2026
Creation of 3 in-line ponds to hold large amounts of surface water flow.
Project status
CompleteArea of focus
Construction of the Wolverhampton to Oxford railway line disrupted the flow of the Evenlode. In Fawler, large sections of the Evenlode are now separated from their floodplain by large railway embankments. Due to the topography and position of pumping stations, a number of homes are prone to flooding.
This project aims to increase the storage capacity of the field parcel, reducing flooding of adjacent properties.
Objectives
- To create a wetland, picking up surface water flow paths
- To increase water storage capacity
- Increase biodiversity
- Hold water on the land for longer
Outcomes
Creation of a swale directing surface water flow paths
Excavation of 3 in-line ponds
Creation of 115 m long swale
Connection of the swale to an existing ditch
Project highlights
Water flowing along the swale just days after construction had finished!
Quote from Pocket Farm
“This corner of the farm used to flood every winter, with water standing across the grazing and nowhere to go. The grant let us turn that problem into a feature: the water now has a path through a swale and a chain of ponds, which hold it back and give wildlife a home. We’re looking forward to seeing what new life the wetland attracts. The scheme also helps protect our own homes, which have flooded before, by holding back the surges of water that contributed to those floods. We could not have done it without the Evenlode Catchment Partnership’s support.” — Brek Taylor-Tamblyn, Pocket Farm
Funding
Funded by the Water Restoration Fund (UK Government) for £20,000