Since the company s establishment in 1957, White Horse Contractors has provided a bespoke design and construction service to a wide client base across the UK and overseas. We specialise in, but are not limited to, the construction of: Lakes and ponds Waterfalls and cascades Wetland habitats and nature reserves De-silting and restoration of lakes, ponds, moats and rivers Bridges, jetties and boat houses This brochure provides a visual gallery of some of our recent projects and also gives you an insight into the company s capabilities. White Horse Contractors Ltd, Lodge Hill, Abingdon, Oxfordshire. OX14 2JD. Telephone: 01865 736272 Email: whc@whitehorsecontractors.co.uk Website: www. whitehorsecontractors.co.uk
Lake fountain
Lake fountain In addition to the construction of a ¾ acre garden lake, White Horse Contractors supplied and installed a 6.5m high fountain. Once lit up at night the fountain provides an impressive, eye catching feature. White Horse Contractors Ltd, Lodge Hill, Abingdon, Oxfordshire. OX14 2JD. Telephone: 01865 736272 Email: whc@whitehorsecontractors.co.uk Website: www. whitehorsecontractors.co.uk
1 1 / 4 acre lake and landscaping of estate grounds
1 1 / 4 acre lake and landscaping of estate grounds As part of an extensive renovation project, White Horse Contractors were employed to design and build a 1 1 /4 acre lake and landscape the surrounding grounds. The client insisted on developing a project which was both environmentally friendly and cost effective to operate. To achieve this objective, water is constantly pumped from the lake to the basement of the house, where it passes through a heat exchange unit providing under floor heating. The water then returns to the lake via a feature waterfall constructed using Leicestershire granite boulders. This scheme has provided a significant cost saving on annual energy bills and is a key sustainable feature. The company undertook extensive planting of mature trees and shrubs to provide an instant effect upon completion of the project, as well as the sowing of wild flower seed mix around the lake. The construction of a new access road, forecourt, driveway and an indoor tennis court were also part of this project. White Horse Contractors Ltd, Lodge Hill, Abingdon, Oxfordshire. OX14 2JD. Telephone: 01865 736272 Email: whc@whitehorsecontractors.co.uk Website: www. whitehorsecontractors.co.uk
2 1 / 2 acre lake and reed bed system set in the Berkshire downlands
2 1 / 2 acre lake and reed bed system set in the Berkshire downlands In order to reduce off-site disposal costs and to future proof the estate, White Horse Contractors were commissioned to undertake the construction of a dirty water treatment system using reed beds and a 2 1 /2 acre feature lake. The reed bed and lake were sited in the bottom of a chalk subsoil valley, therefore the installation of an artificial liner membrane in each water body was necessary. To fully maximise the potential of the new lake, a green oak dipping and boarding platform was constructed at the southern end to allow safe access to the water and mooring of rowing boats. White Horse Contractors Ltd, Lodge Hill, Abingdon, Oxfordshire. OX14 2JD. Telephone: 01865 736272 Email: whc@whitehorsecontractors.co.uk Website: www. whitehorsecontractors.co.uk
2 acre sporting lake and cascade
2 acre sporting lake and cascade White Horse Contractors were appointed to design and build a 2 acre sporting lake set within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) of Cranborne Chase. The lake was created by damming the surrounding valley with underlying chalk subsoil and fitting an artificial liner membrane. The majority of the lake is 4m deep which helps maintain a cold water temperature throughout the year, thereby reducing algae growth. Water is pumped from the lake to the top of a 50m long cascade which drops 15m in height and provides an impressive feature. The cascade also provides the added benefit of constantly aerating the water and improving the water quality, providing ideal conditions for fish and other wildlife. Two green oak jetties were constructed to allow safe access to the water and the mooring of boats, along with many areas of white sandy beaches for fishing and bathing. The lake is fed from a borehole, which draws water from the chalk aquifer over 100m below ground level. White Horse Contractors Ltd, Lodge Hill, Abingdon, Oxfordshire. OX14 2JD. Telephone: 01865 736272 Email: whc@whitehorsecontractors.co.uk Website: www. whitehorsecontractors.co.uk
5 acre private estate fishing and amenity lake
5 acre private estate fishing and amenity lake White Horse Contractors were appointed to design and construct a 5 acre lake on a private estate in Wiltshire. The lake was constructed using the underlying clay subsoil, which was puddled to provide a watertight seal. Existing agricultural land drains were decommissioned and diverted where required to prevent water loss from the lake. Two ditches were diverted to provide the incoming water supply. Deep pockets were excavated in the lake base and partially filled with Purbeck stone boulders in order to provide fish refuges. Opposite these 4m deep pockets, shingle beaches were constructed at various depths and grades to provide the opportunity for both fishing and wading. White Horse Contractors Ltd, Lodge Hill, Abingdon, Oxfordshire. OX14 2JD. Telephone: 01865 736272 Email: whc@whitehorsecontractors.co.uk Website: www. whitehorsecontractors.co.uk
Cascade construction
Cascade construction White Horse Contractors were commissioned to construct a water cascade as part of a 2 acre sporting lake, set in a chalk valley in Cranborne Chase. The client was committed to retaining as much of the existing vegetation to assist in the maturity of the feature s appearance. This was achieved by building the cascade from top down in a very tight and constrained working area. Over 250 tonnes of boulders were imported from a local quarry to provide the desired effect and water flow. Each boulder was individually placed with the use of specialised lifting machinery. Two pumps supply the water from the lake below and can be run independently to provide different flow strengths. White Horse Contractors Ltd, Lodge Hill, Abingdon, Oxfordshire. OX14 2JD. Telephone: 01865 736272 Email: whc@whitehorsecontractors.co.uk Website: www. whitehorsecontractors.co.uk
Community fishing lake
Community fishing lake The facility was specifically designed to enable fishing and wildlife conservation. To reflect these objectives the new lake incorporated deep pockets to act as fish refuges, and the creation of shallow margins to provide suitable conditions for aquatic plant growth. White Horse Contractors constructed the lake using the underlying clay subsoil, which was puddled to ensure a watertight seal. The majority of the excavated soil was used to raise the ground levels, consequently marrying the lake into surrounding contours. The remaining surplus of soil was used to create planting mounds to the lake perimeter. This process not only created an attractive addition to the grounds, it also provided the client with a significant financial and environmental benefit due to the avoidance of material being taken off site. To create a fully accessible facility, a number of fishing platforms were constructed around the perimeter of the lake; these are suitable for disabled access. White Horse Contractors Ltd, Lodge Hill, Abingdon, Oxfordshire. OX14 2JD. Telephone: 01865 736272 Email: whc@whitehorsecontractors.co.uk Website: www. whitehorsecontractors.co.uk
Conceptual view of garden pond construction
Concept designs and illustrations White Horse Contractors offer clients a comprehensive design service enabling concepts to be transformed into detailed plans. Our in-house designers are closely supported by planning consultants ensuring that concept ideas can work in a practical environment. White Horse Contractors Ltd, Lodge Hill, Abingdon, Oxfordshire. OX14 2JD. Telephone: 01865 736272 Email: whc@whitehorsecontractors.co.uk Website: www. whitehorsecontractors.co.uk
Dew pond restoration
Dew pond restoration White Horse Contractors were appointed to carry out the restoration of a 1,000 year old dew pond located in Dorset. The pond, funded by the National Lottery, required extensive desilting and partial re-lining to make it water tight. The top half of pond had been leaking for many years and so a bentomat liner was installed to the marginal perimeter and tied into the existing puddled clay lining. To ensure the finished product was ready for public use, White Horse Contractors also carried out extensive landscaping works including the installation of high quality turf. White Horse Contractors Ltd, Lodge Hill, Abingdon, Oxfordshire. OX14 2JD. Telephone: 01865 736272 Email: whc@whitehorsecontractors.co.uk Website: www. whitehorsecontractors.co.uk
Restoration of feature pond
Restoration of feature pond White Horse Contractors were tasked with the restoration of this ¾ acre garden pond sited in front of a manor house in Oxfordshire. The company advised the client that silt excavated from the pond could be spread on the estate s paddocks prior to being ploughed-in and re-seeded. Through the implementation of this idea significant cost savings and environmental benefits were derived. The existing waterfall was dismantled to enable a new artificial liner membrane to be installed, to both the pond and waterfall. Once the liner membrane was installed and the waterfall rebuilt, topsoil was imported to marry the pond surrounds into the lawn. A new timber jetty was also constructed to provide a mooring facility for boats. White Horse Contractors Ltd, Lodge Hill, Abingdon, Oxfordshire. OX14 2JD. Telephone: 01865 736272 Email: whc@whitehorsecontractors.co.uk Website: www. whitehorsecontractors.co.uk
Fishing platforms & entertaining spaces
Fishing platforms & entertaining spaces As part of garden and lake construction projects, White Horse Contractors are often asked to design and construct jetties, bridges, boardwalks, fishing platforms and boat houses. These types of facilities can significantly enhance existing gardens by providing a place to relax and socialise, whilst being sympathetically constructed to the surrounding environment. White Horse Contractors Ltd, Lodge Hill, Abingdon, Oxfordshire. OX14 2JD. Telephone: 01865 736272 Email: whc@whitehorsecontractors.co.uk Website: www. whitehorsecontractors.co.uk
Garden entertaining area
Garden entertaining area Designed and built by White Horse Contractors, this garden entertaining area, located in the Chilterns, is linked to the main house via a winding Indian sand stone paved path. Leicestershire granite boulders were imported to construct a waterfall and provide seating areas around the pond. The timber arched bridge links both sides of the pond and leads to the paved terrace and covered bar / kitchen area. Mature aquatic plants, the laying of turf and the planting of an Acer glade were all part of the design. The pond was temporarily dyed prior to the opening event to give the feature a Caribbean effect. White Horse Contractors Ltd, Lodge Hill, Abingdon, Oxfordshire. OX14 2JD. Telephone: 01865 736272 Email: whc@whitehorsecontractors.co.uk Website: www. whitehorsecontractors.co.uk
Olympic Park River Lea re-modelling works
Olympic Park River Lea re-modelling works Working to a tight program with an immoveable completion date, White Horse Contractors undertook the restoration and landscaping of the East Bank of the River Lea, which runs through the centre of the 2012 London Olympic Park. The works involved: Extensive decontamination of the site Creation of wetlands that included hazel spilling, coir log installation and the planting of over 2 1 /2 acres of pre-grown aquatic plant stock Construction of large cast in-situ concrete bridges/culverts, outlet headwalls and pipework 3 frog ponds and 2 wet-woodlands Construction of reinforced river banks under 2 bridges Growing and installation of 1 acre reinforced wild flower turf With over 11,000 people working throughout the Olympic Park, it made for exceptionally difficult logistical conditions. To ease traffic congestion and to improve our programme we imported considerable quantities of materials with the use of the railway. White Horse Contractors Ltd, Lodge Hill, Abingdon, Oxfordshire. OX14 2JD. Telephone: 01865 736272 Email: whc@whitehorsecontractors.co.uk Website: www. whitehorsecontractors.co.uk
Patio water feature
Patio water feature As part of a new manor house construction, White Horse Contractors were appointed to design and build a circular fountain consisting of seven protruding water jets. Each water jet is powered by a single pump, covered with a polished stainless steel grating, which is located in a chamber below the patio. The chambers are linked to a main water reservoir below the central jet, which ensures that there is a permanent water supply to all the jets. The water jets are illuminated with LED lights and can be programmed to provide a variety of fountain sequences varying in height and colour. The fountain is a spectacular addition to the outdoor entertaining area. White Horse Contractors Ltd, Lodge Hill, Abingdon, Oxfordshire. OX14 2JD. Telephone: 01865 736272 Email: whc@whitehorsecontractors.co.uk Website: www. whitehorsecontractors.co.uk
Planning design and practical application
Planning design and practical application White Horse Contractors provides a one stop construction package from pre-planning through to practical completion. This process is managed in-house and offers clients a practical solution when constructing new facilities. White Horse Contractors Ltd, Lodge Hill, Abingdon, Oxfordshire. OX14 2JD. Telephone: 01865 736272 Email: whc@whitehorsecontractors.co.uk Website: www. whitehorsecontractors.co.uk
Rill restoration
Rill restoration As part of a moat restoration surrounding a Jacobean mansion set in the heart of Chilterns, White Horse Contractors were appointed to reconstruct a derelict rill. The rill acts as the overflow for the moat and was restored with reclaimed York stone to provide a finish in keeping with the surrounding garden structures. White Horse Contractors Ltd, Lodge Hill, Abingdon, Oxfordshire. OX14 2JD. Telephone: 01865 736272 Email: whc@whitehorsecontractors.co.uk Website: www. whitehorsecontractors.co.uk
Timber bridge construction
Timber bridge construction White Horse Contractors were commissioned to design and construct a practical bridge to allow access to an island set within a fishing lake. The company is capable of designing and constructing bespoke timber jetties, bridges, boardwalks and boat houses. White Horse Contractors Ltd, Lodge Hill, Abingdon, Oxfordshire. OX14 2JD. Telephone: 01865 736272 Email: whc@whitehorsecontractors.co.uk Website: www. whitehorsecontractors.co.uk
Hand-crafted timber boat house
Hand-crafted timber boat house In addition to the construction of a lined lake, White Horse Contractors were asked to design and build an oak boathouse. The locally sourced timber was carefully crafted to form an elegant structure finished with a cedar shingle roof, lead ridge and matching finials. Traditional wood working techniques of mortice and tennon were incorporated into the construction as well as doweled joints. The boathouse has been constructed over a reinforced concrete base, enabling boats to be rowed in without the risk of damaging the liner. White Horse Contractors Ltd, Lodge Hill, Abingdon, Oxfordshire. OX14 2JD. Telephone: 01865 736272 Email: whc@whitehorsecontractors.co.uk Website: www. whitehorsecontractors.co.uk
Restoration of woodland wildlife pond
Restoration of woodland wildlife pond Whilst clearing an area of woodland garden, the client unearthed an old, disused pond; this discovery was the inspiration for White Horse Contractors being appointed. The pond required extensive desilting and reshaping, followed by the installation of an artificial liner membrane. Due to the unstable nature of the underlying green sand, the project needed careful planning and organisation to prevent excessive trafficking. Once complete the pond was planted with mature aquatic marginal plants and lilies. The feature also included the installation of foaming water jet fountains, which provide constant aeration and movement of water. White Horse Contractors Ltd, Lodge Hill, Abingdon, Oxfordshire. OX14 2JD. Telephone: 01865 736272 Email: whc@whitehorsecontractors.co.uk Website: www. whitehorsecontractors.co.uk
White Horse Contractors Limited Lodge Hill Abingdon Oxon OX14 2JD T: 01865 736272 F: (01865) 326179 E: whc@whitehorsecontractors.co.uk www.whitehorsecontractors.co.uk