First opened as the world’s first drive-through safari park outside Africa, Longleat Safari Park is the UK’s number one. Located at the east of Longleat House, the Half Mile Pond is a manmade structure built in the 1790s. As it is also classed as a reservoir, the site requires ongoing prevention of flood risk. An impressive £2 million project was introduced in 2022 to help preserve and upgrade the reservoir’s eighteenth-century dam. It is one of many dams and reservoirs built by renowned landscape architect Lancelot Brown. His nickname ‘Capability’ stemmed from his habit of describing landscapes as having ‘great capabilities’.
Previous experience working with the customer meant that MGF were called in to help support the unique scheme. Efforts for this project started in mid-October 2021.
As part of the scheme, the park’s popular railway track was temporarily closed in October 2021. The railway track runs along part of the reservoir wall, allowing visitors an up-close view of the animals. It was critical that it reopened in time for the spring season so visitors could continue to enjoy the attraction.
Longleat Safari Park
Land and Water Services LTD
Andy Hember, Capital Sales
Using Sheet Piles to help preserve the idyllic Half Mile Pond, home to Hippopotamus’ and Sea Lions
Due to the size of the reservoir, flood defence measures are necessary so that the water flow will not pass over the dam or affect the dam’s strength. The combination of ground pressure from the railway track along with movements caused within the dam from the 110,480 tonnes of water has caused a build-up of pressure. As a result of this, measures put in place will move pressure from the water into one controllable area.
In total, 570 metres of GU13 Sheet Piles were required across the whole scheme. Brackets and timber cladding were incorporated into the design as a measurement guide so that eventually the earth can be brought up to the same level as the dam. Pontoons were floated on the lake to install the sheet piles safely. This was done without disrupting the sea lions and hippopotamuses living in the water.
The scheme grew during construction so that sheet piles were now also required further down the railway track, extending the section of the reservoir being reinforced. The strengthening of the dam will also allow for additional locomotives to run along the railway line, making them more available for visitors.
The surrounding enclosures are dependent on the reservoir. The gorillas need the wetland to safely separate their area from the rest of the park. Every part of the scheme has been coordinated with the safari team to help ensure the safety of those working on site as well as the animal’s continued welfare throughout ongoing construction.
Quick communication between MGF and the Longleat team allowed for speedy deliveries that met the park’s accelerated timescale due to the need to reopen the railway track before spring. The quick response time satisfied the customers’ requirements and allowed the scheme to continue without delay.
Throughout the project, MGF had a close relationship with the park, engineers, and the Land & Water team. This allowed for easy communication to ensure a quick and efficient service was provided so that tight deadlines were met.
Additional work took place in winter 2022 to add wooden cladding to the sheets once the park is closed to help maintain a natural aesthetic. This was a big challenge for the team. They needed to work alongside the animals living in the park to get everything done in time for the next season.
To thank all those involved in the project, a plaque will be installed at either end of the reservoir with names engraved so that future visitors can be informed of the efforts made to the park that will help continue its ability to function and keep the animals living there happy and safe.
The ongoing improvement of the park will help to bring in more tourism, ensuring the future of Longleat.
Interlocking steel sheet piles form a high strength sheeting system, ideal for supporting the vertical faces of large excavations. U-Type …
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