Ashby Canal Reed Bed Restoration and Bore Hole Pump Replacement

Leicestershire County Council (LCC) operate a pump and reed bed to replenish the Ashby canal during dry weather conditions. Water is pumped from old mine workings to the reed bed where it is cleansed before entering the canal via a pipe. The reed bed is located in the Council owned Donisthorpe Woodland Park.

Water has been filtered using a reed bed comprised of gravel weirs, gabions, a lagoon, and reeds. Over time the reed bed has become blinded with ochre, vegetation build-up, and reed encroachment into the lagoon. The reed bed requires restoration. Furthermore, the existing bentomat liner is reaching the end of its life expectancy and so LCC would like to take the opportunity to replace it.

The bore hole pump requires replacement to meet the water input requirements of the reed bed. The headworks, stilling chamber containing the water level meter and the control equipment for the pump require, replacement / refurbishment or updating.