Reedbed Maintenance
Client: The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust
Location: Slimbridge, Gloucestershire
Service: Water Treatment
Project Outline:
JPR were contacted to come up with a solution to improve the efficiency of the reedbed and improve the quality of the water.
Increasing reedbed efficiency
The millennium reedbed at the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge was originally designed to treat the wastewater from the visitor centre which could see up to 3,000 people per day. When JPR got involved, the reedbed’s efficiency had been reduced by a number of problems including short-circuiting and water ponding (too much standing water) on the main filter bed.
It can greatly increase the effectiveness and life of a reedbed treatment system if a proper maintenance programme is in place. JPR has undertaken the maintenance of the reedbed system at Slimbridge since early 2010.
This involves regular visits to check that all pumps and pipes are functioning properly and to ensure that there is the required water flow. We also manage the vegetation both within and around the reedbeds.
