We shape the land before the build begins — and create outdoor water features built to last through every season.
Every construction project starts at ground level — and at IGE Group, groundworks are something we take as seriously as the structures that follow. The right site preparation prevents problems that are expensive to fix later: poor drainage, unstable ground, inadequate access, and uneven levels that throw everything else off.
Our groundworks service covers site clearance, topsoil stripping, earthmoving, levelling, and drainage installation. Whether it's preparing a plot for a new build, creating a flat area for a cabin or hardstanding, or reshaping a garden, we plan it properly and execute it cleanly.
We also specialise in custom pond installation — one of the most transformative things you can do to a garden. We design and build ponds of any size and shape, from a simple reflective feature pond to a large koi pond with properly engineered depth profiles, liner, edging, and provision for filtration and aeration equipment.
Pond building is skilled work that requires understanding of water management, liner installation, edge detailing, and long-term maintenance. We've built ponds that have been running cleanly for years — because we do it properly the first time.
Groundworks & Ponds
Vegetation, scrub and debris removed. Topsoil stripped and set aside or removed from site. Area left clear and ready for the next stage.
Ground shaped to the required levels and profiles using compact machinery. Spoil redistributed on site or removed. Finished surface compacted and checked.
French drains, soakaway pits, or channel drainage installed where needed. Good drainage is what keeps groundworks stable and the site dry long-term.
Pond excavated to agreed depth and profile. Shelves for marginal planting formed where specified. Spoil removed from site cleanly.
Geotextile underlay fitted to protect the liner from stones. EPDM rubber liner installed and fitted tightly to the excavation profile. All folds dressed and secured.
Pond edges finished with your choice of material — natural stone, cobbles, sleepers, or turf overhang. Pump and filter pipework provision installed before filling.
We walk the site with you, discuss the project scope, and assess access and ground conditions before quoting.
Pond shape, size, depth, edging and any special features agreed. Groundworks scope and drainage requirements confirmed.
Site cleared, ground shaped or pond excavated to the agreed profile. Spoil removed or managed on site.
Underlay and liner installed for ponds. Drainage runs laid for groundworks. Everything checked before the next stage.
Edging dressed, site cleared, and project handed over ready for planting or landscaping. We walk you through everything on the day.
We've built everything from small ornamental feature ponds of around 2m x 1.5m to large koi ponds over 15m in length. Size is largely a matter of budget and the space available. We don't have a minimum or maximum — we discuss what works for your garden and what you want the pond to do before we quote.
For fish to overwinter safely in the UK, the pond needs a minimum deep zone of at least 60–90cm, and ideally 120cm or more. Koi, which are larger fish, need a deep section of at least 1.2m–1.5m to thrive — and we typically recommend 1.8m or deeper for a serious koi pond to maintain water temperature stability and allow adequate swimming room.
Shallow areas (shelf zones) of 20–30cm are included to support marginal planting and provide a gradual entry point for wildlife.
We install the pipework and conduit provision for pump and filter equipment as part of the build, but we don't directly supply or install the mechanical equipment itself. We're happy to advise on what specification of pump and filter is appropriate for your pond size and fish load, and we can recommend suppliers. The equipment is then installed by you or a specialist once the pond is filled.
We use EPDM rubber liner as our standard, typically 1.0mm or 1.14mm thickness depending on pond size. EPDM is UV-stable, flexible even in cold temperatures, fish-safe, and durable — quality EPDM liners carry manufacturer warranties of 20–25 years and often last considerably longer with proper installation.
We always fit a geotextile underlay beneath the liner to protect it from any stones or sharp material in the excavation that could cause punctures over time.
Get in touch and we'll arrange a free site visit to discuss what's possible.
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