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FIELD DRAINAGE

Stop the Flood Before It Starts

EMERGENCY CONTACT

Are you in need of emergency assistance, our team are on standby 24 hours a day.

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As UK weather becomes increasingly unpredictable — with heavier rainfall, prolonged wet seasons, and flash flooding now more common — many facilities are finding their existing drainage systems simply aren’t up to the task. Fields become boggy, arenas flood, stable yards turn slippery, and access routes become unusable. Without proper water management in place, these issues can lead to safety risks, property damage, and costly downtime.

At MBE Group, we specialise in designing and installing modern, high-capacity drainage solutions that protect your investment and keep your facility functional, whatever the weather. From land drains and ditch systems to hard standing and arena drainage, we tailor each system to your land, usage, and long-term goals — ensuring you're fully prepared for the changing climate.

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Field Draiange

Effective field drainage is critical for the long-term health, usability, and safety of any equestrian, agricultural, or rural facility. Without it, paddocks quickly become waterlogged, muddy, and unsafe — leading to hoof problems in horses, restricted grazing, surface damage, and inaccessible areas during wet weather. Poor drainage can also increase erosion, structural issues, and maintenance costs across your land.

At MBE Group, we provide expert drainage solutions tailored to your environment, usage, and budget. Whether you’re dealing with persistent puddles, soggy gateways, or flooding arenas, our experienced team can design and install custom field drainage systems including land drains, soakaways, ditches, and surface grading. We conduct detailed site surveys, use high-quality materials, and ensure every system is built to perform — keeping your land dry, functional, and fit for purpose all year round.

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Drainage Types

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Land Drains

and drains, also known as perforated pipe drains, are one of the most effective and widely used drainage solutions for equestrian fields, paddocks, and agricultural land. These systems consist of flexible or rigid perforated pipes laid in trenches below ground level, usually surrounded by washed gravel or stone and wrapped in a geotextile membrane. The small holes in the pipe allow groundwater to enter, which is then redirected away from waterlogged areas toward a suitable outfall such as a ditch, soakaway, or holding tank.

These drains are typically installed in a network across affected areas to intercept and control subsurface water, keeping fields dry and usable throughout the year.

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Soakaway

A soakaway is an underground drainage solution designed to manage excess surface or storm water by allowing it to slowly disperse back into the ground. Typically built using large pits filled with clean stone or specialist modular crates, soakaways are connected to drainage systems like land drains or guttering, and are positioned at a suitable distance from buildings or high-traffic areas.

Soakaways are particularly useful in areas where water needs to be managed on-site rather than diverted off the property. They work by temporarily storing the incoming water and then gradually allowing it to percolate into the surrounding soil, reducing the risk of flooding or pooling.

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Open Ditches

Open ditches are one of the oldest and most effective forms of surface water management. They consist of shallow or deep channels dug into the ground to collect and redirect rainwater or runoff from fields, yards, arenas, barns, or car parks. Ditches are typically installed along field boundaries, road edges, or in low-lying areas to catch and carry water toward a suitable discharge point such as a soakaway, culvert, or natural watercourse.

When properly designed and maintained, open ditches form a vital part of a site-wide drainage system, helping to prevent flooding, reduce erosion, and protect land from prolonged water saturation.

Site Surveys

At MBE Group, we offer comprehensive site surveys for clients experiencing flooded or waterlogged fields. Our goal is to identify the root cause of the issue and provide targeted drainage solutions that restore usability and prevent long-term damage. During the survey, our experienced team will assess land gradients, soil composition, existing drainage systems (if any), and water flow patterns. Using laser-level equipment and on-site inspections, we gather accurate data to inform the most effective approach — whether that’s installing land drains, soakaways, open ditches, or regrading the surface. Following the survey, you’ll receive a clear proposal and plan of action, including recommendations, layout drawings, and estimated costs to help you move forward with confidence.

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Our Experience

With over a decade of hands-on experience, MBE Group has become a trusted name in equestrian field drainage installation across the UK. We understand the unique challenges that come with maintaining dry, usable turnout spaces in the face of increasingly wet weather. Our team has successfully delivered drainage systems for a wide range of facilities — from private paddocks and livery yards to large equestrian centres and competition venues. We design and install tailored solutions including land drains, open ditches, soakaways, cross-falls, and surface regrading, all engineered to improve ground conditions, protect your horses’ wellbeing, and reduce maintenance. Our deep understanding of equine needs, land behaviour, and water movement ensures that every project is completed with precision, care, and long-term performance in mind.

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Percolation Testing

A percolation test (commonly called a “perc test”) is a simple but essential procedure used to determine how well water drains through the soil on your land. This test is especially important when planning the installation of soakaways, septic systems, or land drainage, as it helps to identify whether the ground can absorb water efficiently or if alternative drainage methods are required.

During a percolation test, a series of small test holes are dug and filled with water. The rate at which the water drains away is then measured over time. This provides accurate data on soil permeability, helping to ensure that drainage systems are designed correctly, comply with regulations, and avoid long-term waterlogging or system failure.

At MBE Group, our team conducts professional percolation testing as part of our drainage consultation process. We use the results to create bespoke drainage plans that are tailored to your land conditions — ensuring your facility stays dry, safe, and fully functional all year round.

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At MBE Group, we provide a comprehensive land drain installation service designed to effectively manage excess water and keep your land dry, safe, and usable year-round. Whether it's a paddock, arena, turnout pen, field, or stable yard, our expert team will assess the site conditions, determine the most effective drainage layout, and install a tailored system using perforated pipework, graded trenches, geotextile membranes, and gravel backfill. We use laser-level equipment to ensure precise gradients for optimal water flow and long-term performance. From small-scale domestic paddocks to large equestrian facilities and commercial land, our installation service is efficient, reliable, and built to last. We also offer post-installation inspection and advice to help you maintain your new drainage system for years to come.

Land Drains

Land drains — also known as perforated pipe drains or French drains — are underground drainage systems designed to remove excess water from the soil, preventing surface pooling, waterlogging, and structural damage. They consist of perforated pipes laid in trenches, typically surrounded by gravel and wrapped in a geotextile membrane to prevent clogging. These pipes collect and redirect both surface and subsurface water to a suitable outfall, such as a soakaway, ditch, or holding tank.

In equestrian settings, land drains are essential for maintaining dry, usable ground — especially during periods of heavy or prolonged rainfall. Without proper drainage, fields become boggy and unusable, arenas flood, and access routes deteriorate quickly. This not only causes disruption and maintenance costs, but also poses safety risks to animals, people, and property.

By installing land drains, you protect your investment, improve usability year-round, and dramatically reduce the long-term risks associated with poor water management.

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Nationwide Coverage

We take great pride in our ability to cater to clients across the entirety of the United Kingdom. Our dedicated team possesses the capability to reach any location within the country within a maximum of 9 hours, ensuring prompt attention to your specific needs. When it comes to emergency call-outs, our average response time typically ranges between 1 to 3 hours, although this timeframe may vary based on the distance and complexity of the situation. Our commitment to efficiency and effectiveness remains unwavering, allowing us to deliver timely and reliable services to our valued customers.