Staffordshire farm faced a significant challenge caused by land erosion. This affected access bridges between two fields, crucial for tractors and machinery, making them too narrow and unsafe for use.

The challenge

The winter of 2023-24 brought heavy rainfall that accelerated the degradation of the width of several bridges which were becoming increasingly narrow impacting the access to some fields. This posed a risk to the passage of tractors and heavy machinery.

The issue arose from a stream running alongside a hedgerow between two fields. Over time, erosion of the stream banks and bridge walls gradually wore away the access bridges. 

If left unaddressed, the through route would be completely inaccessible, disrupting the maintenance and operations of the farm. This inaccessibility would not only affect daily farming activities but also lead to long-term issues in farm management.

The solution

After exploring various solutions and financing options for farm maintenance projects, a UK Government DEFRA fund was available, via the Rural Payments Agency under reference RP6: Installation of piped culverts in ditches. 

Muir Farming turned to SoluForm due to our cost effective and environmentally acceptable solutions for the hand placement of concrete and soil bagwork.  SoluForm's approach involved using both their above and below-water 32N prefilled concrete bags and BS 3882:2015 compliant sand-rich topsoil MSE bagwork.  

32N Prefilled Concrete Bags: These patented concrete bags set to a 32N strength, provide a robust and durable solution for reinforcing the culvert. This reinforcement will ensure that the pathway remains sturdy and wide enough for tractors to pass over safely.

SoluForm's underwater bagwork utilises SoluForm’s patented biodegradable liners and enables dry mix concrete to be placed below water, with the use of steelwork, in a clean and environmentally acceptable manner. Alternatively, SoluForm's water-soluble, above water bagwork can be useful for dry or out-of-water bagwork applications, or for schemes where either the environmental risk isn’t there, or the risk can be managed. In the absence of surrounding water, above water bagwork is hydrated by either pre-soaking or hosing in situ, dependent upon where the bagwork is placed.

MSE Bagwork: The mechanically stabilised earth (MSE) bagwork consists of high-quality, sand-rich topsoil that complies with BS 3882:2015 standards. These bags offer an eco-friendly solution, preserving the nutrients in the soil and supporting vegetation growth. On top of the concrete bags, the MSE bagwork was installed. These bags were strategically placed to create a natural-looking structure. The sand-rich topsoil within the bags allowed for the reintroduction of vegetation, enhancing the environmental benefits of the solution.

The installation process began with placing the 32N prefilled concrete bags as the base of the river bed. These bags provide a solid base for further construction and ensure the stability of the structure. The concrete sets quickly, forming a durable foundation for the MSE bagwork.

The outcome

The restructuring around the culvert has eliminated future erosion risks, providing a long-term solution that will benefit the farm for years to come.

SoluForm’s solution offered aesthetic benefits, as the MSE bagwork allowed for the reintroduction of greenery. The natural appearance of the reinforced structure not only blended well with the surrounding environment, but also contributed to ecological sustainability.

“The bridge repairs were successfully completed, ensuring that we could continue moving tractors and machinery across the fields without causing any disruptions to the farming operations. The new headwall structures have provided a widened and reinforced pathway, solving the immediate accessibility issue. We have had this work carried out and are now looking at the potential of carrying out further works on farm using SoluForm with the possibility of applying for a capital grant.” (Muir Farming Ltd)