Leat

Formerly a Victorian creation along with the rhododendron pleasure gardens, the Leat fell into considerable disrepair, but was recreated in 1993 along the course of the old Leat. Funded by BT, the reinstating of this waterway has helped to protect and enhance the wetland habitats on the reserve. When heavy rain causes floodwater to rush into Monument Pond at the northern end of the reserve, a sluice gate can be closed. This prevents water from flowing into the stream and hence into the wetlands and ponds further to the south. The silt laden floodwater is forced to flow harmlessly down the leat and away from much of the sensitive wetland habitats. The Leat rejoins the stream near the southern end of the reserve.

Above: The lower end of the Leat is known as the Goyle. Prior to the restoration project, the original leat here had fallen into considerable disrepair. Flash foods had washed away the structure of the old leat and had cut a channel some 6 metres deep into the subsoils. The 1993 project restored the Leat through the Goyle by re-digging a channel and burying large pipes to take the water. Stone reinforcements were placed at the entrances and exits to the pipes to prevent water erosion.