Hi there,
I've 1.6 acres of land, surrounded by trees. The land has road frontage along its longest edge, and the field slopes gently towards the road, all along the road front, along the longest edge of the field, runs a stream. At the other side of the trees, at the top of the field, is a ditch, and lush, green pastures, which are not water logged at all. My land is very wet, and covered in hillocks of dark reeds, especially in the winter. I did a soil test for septic tank drainage, and it failed as the water just sat in the holes. Apparently the land is very clay like in texture, and so holds the water.
There are patches towards the top corner, where the land is highest, where there are no reeds, but this is an exception. I'm wondering what to do to drain the land, and possibly flatten it, so at least I can have a field where I can grow grass to keep ponies on, possibly grow vegetables on, and more importantly, have good drainage for a septic tank, and to keep the water and damp away from my cottage, which I am in the process of renovating (it's going to be a long job!).
Options I have considered are deepening the stream/ditch at the bottom of the field, ploughing the field (although how and with what I don't know) planting willows, but have no idea where or how many etc, and doing something with the land. It's a big, dark green rushy swamp (well nearly) at the moment, and will only get worse as Autumn and winter draw in.
Ideas anyone?? Gratefully received.
Thank you
Tiggily