Desilting & Dredging Services UK

Simply Aquatic provides professional desilting and dredging services across the UK for ponds, lakes, balancing ponds, fisheries and commercial water bodies nationwide.

Using specialist aquatic machinery including the Truxor amphibious machine, long reach excavators and low ground pressure support equipment, we can remove accumulated silt and sediment whilst minimising disruption to surrounding banks and sensitive environments.

Our desilting services help restore water depth, improve water quality, increase open water areas and reduce the long-term build-up of aquatic weeds and vegetation.

Desilting is a specific type of dredging activity that focuses on removing accumulated sediment, silt, and debris from the bottom of water bodies like rivers, canals, lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. The process aims to restore the original depth and capacity of the water body, improve water flow, and address issues related to sedimentation. Desilting plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and functionality of water bodies by mitigating sedimentation-related issues and also flood alleviation.

Mechanical Silt Removal

Mechanical desilting is the most common and cost effective method used, this is due to the quantity of material that is often removed during this process, there are many mechanical silt removal options available.

The most suitable dredging or desilting method will depend on the type of water body, access restrictions, sediment depth and the overall project objectives.

At Simply Aquatic, we offer a range of specialist aquatic desilting solutions depending on the scale and requirements of the project.

The Truxor is a versatile amphibious machine that can be used for various aquatic management tasks, including silt removal. Its design allows it to work effectively in wetland areas and water bodies, making it suitable for removing accumulated sediment and silt from the bottom of lakes, ponds, rivers, canals and other water bodies. There are various methods for de silting. The Truxor machine can either dredge the silt using a clamshell bucket or a silt pump via a series of lay flat pipes.

The Truxor amphibious machine allows for targeted silt and sediment removal with minimal disruption to surrounding ground conditions and sensitive pond margins.

This method can be particularly effective for:

Smaller and medium-sized ponds or lakes
Difficult access sites
Sensitive or soft ground conditions
Removing lighter accumulated sediment
Working without draining the water body

The Truxor can transport sediment directly to the bank for removal using low ground pressure support machinery where required.

There are occasions where the Truxor machine is not suitable on larger scale projects, we also have available amphibious excavators and long reach diggers as an alternative or to work alongside the Truxor where applicable. Our team will always ensure the most sensitive methods are used to protect the surroundings. Depending on the project we can work alongside ecologists to ensure endangered species and wildlife are protected during the works.

For larger-scale dredging projects or heavily silted water bodies, long reach excavators or amphibious excavators may provide a more suitable solution.

These methods are commonly used for:

Large lakes and reservoirs
Extensive sediment build-up
Commercial dredging works
Reedbed restoration projects
Balancing pond restoration
Deep accumulated sediment removal

Depending on site access and environmental considerations, dredged material can either be spread on site, dewatered or removed from site for disposal.

What happens after the desilting process?

Once the silt has been removed from the water course there's always the tricky task of finding somewhere for it to go. Our specialist team can provide options on a case by case scenario as every project and surroundings are different.

Some of the options may include:

Depositing on available land - This is often the most common method, however we appreciate this can look un slightly for a period of time. If required our team can revisit and make good of any deposited silt using a specialist wild flower mix which will attract a variety of wildlife into the area making for an eco haven.
Building up existing banks - If you have low level banks / walkways this can be a great way to find space for the silt along with building up walkways.
Silt pumping into de watering bags - The Truxor amphibious machines pump the silt into the enclosed dewatering bags, once complete you are left with a bag full of silt. When this has dried out into a more useable state this can be spread around any land and planted with grass seed / wildflower mix.
Nicospan fencing - This can be used to shore up banks and also store silt behind. This has been proven to create wider existing banks, protect from erosion and also create new islands using dredged material.

Simply Aquatic are silt removal experts and can assist in pond & lake dredging, waterway maintenance, environmental dredging and efficient sediment removal.

Contact Simply Aquatic today to learn more on how we can help with your desilting & dredging requirements.

Signs Your Pond or Lake May Need Desilting

Silt accumulation often occurs gradually over many years, meaning problems can go unnoticed until the water body becomes heavily affected. Excessive sediment build-up can contribute towards poor water quality, aggressive weed growth and reduced water depth.

Common signs that a pond or lake may require desilting include:

Reduced water depth
Excessive weed or algae growth
Lily pads rapidly spreading
Muddy or poor-quality water
Reeds and marginal vegetation expanding aggressively
Areas becoming inaccessible
Increased nutrient build-up
Bad smells from decomposing sediment
Balancing ponds losing storage capacity

In many cases, removing accumulated silt can significantly improve the overall health, appearance and functionality of a water body.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you remove silt without draining the pond or lake?

Yes! Our unique methods and using specialist aquatic machinery such as the Truxor amphibious machine, we can often remove accumulated sediment whilst the water body remains full.

What happens to the removed silt?

Depending on the project and site conditions, dredged material is usually spread on site and left to dewater.

Can dredging help reduce weed growth?

Removing nutrient-rich sediment can often help reduce excessive aquatic weed and algae growth over time.

Do you work nationwide?

Yes. Simply Aquatic provides pond and lake desilting services across the UK for both domestic and commercial clients.

What types of water bodies do you work on?

We work on ponds, lakes, fisheries, balancing ponds, reservoirs, estate lakes and commercial water bodies.

Do you work on ponds or lakes with a liner?

If your waterbody has a plastic / fabric or Butyl liner then unfortunately not. Mechanical means can be far too damaging.

Looking for Professional Pond or Lake Desilting?

Whether you require targeted sediment removal, full-scale dredging or ongoing aquatic maintenance, Simply Aquatic can provide practical advice and specialist aquatic machinery solutions across the UK.