Brandy Mount Drainage Ditch
We have on-going problems with the drainage ditch at the bottom of Brandy Mount. We have asked Highways to improve this ditch; however, they have stated that they have no resources in their budget for these repairs.
The important repairs are needed to stop contamination from water entering the Chalk Stream from the road and also soil going into the river.
The first part of the repairs has been carried out by our volunteers; the next stage will be planned and engineered by the Wessex River Trust. They will obtain the permit and permission to complete the full repairs to the ditch.
As we are a member of the Watercress & Winterbournes Partnership Scheme this will be paid for through the Heritage Lottery, which sponsors the Partnership.
The operation of this drain is shown in the following diagram. The water from Brandy Mount descends into the drainage ditch. There, it encounters two weirs which restrict the flow and enable the soil to settle out. Only clean water is then delivered to the Cheriton Stream.
The following images show the layout and construction of the drain:
Layout of the drain with the Brandy Mount entrance at the back right. The settling pools caused by the weirs can also be seen.
Weirs in place
Outlet to Cheriton Stream
