Culvert Replacement and Ditch Restoration at Canada Farm Meadows

Canada Farm Meadows is a species-rich floodplain meadow within Shapwick Heath SSSI, designated for its grassland, breeding waders, and ditch ecosystems. The site sits on deep peat soils (averaging 2 meters) that are currently drying out due to non-functional water conveyance systems, causing carbon oxidation and releasing CO₂. This project requires the replacement of four defunct culverts and restoration of 700 meters of ditches across 10.6 hectares to restore water flow year-round. Culverts must be rigid twin-walled plastic pipe (600mm diameter, 6000mm length) installed following the Somerset IDB Gateway Construction Culvert Sequence Guide, with galvanized steel motorway barrier headwalls, 400mm cover depth, and clean crushed stone backfill. Ditch restoration involves woody vegetation removal, silt removal and disposal, and vegetation matter disposal. Work must comply with peat soil and wetland conditions, occur within a Site of Special Scientific Interest, account for protected species, and maintain livestock compatibility. Successful completion will restore anaerobic peat conditions to reduce CO₂ emissions and create favorable habitat for wet grassland species and breeding waders.