New GRP Chamber for the National Trust

When the existing treatment plant at Bodiam Castle was overwhelmed due to the high water table and issues with foul waste contamination, the National Trust turned to Willow Pumps for a sustainable solution.

Working alongside an independent wastewater consultant, we designed a system to control the volume and condition of the waste entering the treatment works. Our solution included above-ground storage tanks and a new pumping station—ensuring compliance while preserving the historical integrity of the site.

Located at a site of significant historical interest, the installation of a new pumping station at Bodiam Castle presented unique logistical, environmental, and archaeological challenges. Willow Pumps was tasked with delivering a complete wastewater solution that met both operational needs and the sensitivities of a live heritage site. The scope included full civils, mechanical, and safety system installations to ensure reliable performance and public protection.

Mechanical & Civil Installations

• Full excavation and civil groundwork to prepare for pumping infrastructure, conducted with archaeological oversight.
• Installation of a new GRP pump chamber tailored to site conditions.
• Two 10m³ above-ground storage tanks installed for emergency storage capacity.
• Drainage system reconfiguration to integrate with new pumping arrangements.
• Installation of a passive, below-ground grease trap to enhance long-term system performance and environmental compliance.

Monitoring & Safety Features

• A high-level alarm system was integrated into the control panel as a preventative measure.
• This was essential due to the risk posed by continued inflow from storage tanks in the event of a pump failure, helping to avoid potential overflows and environmental incidents.

Project Execution

• Willow Pumps delivered a turnkey solution from excavation through to mechanical and electrical commissioning.
• All works were completed with minimal disruption to the site’s day-to-day operations and visitors.

Storage and Grease Management

• The above-ground tanks provided additional capacity to manage peak flows.
• The passive grease trap served to protect downstream infrastructure from build-up, supporting both operational resilience and compliance with water authority standards.

Design and Safety Considerations

Operating within a live heritage site such as Bodiam Castle required careful consideration of public safety, environmental preservation, and historic protection:

• The site remained open to the public throughout the works, so safety fencing, signage, and access controls were installed and monitored.
• Excavations were closely managed under the supervision of archaeologists to identify and protect any items of historical value.
• All staff operated under strict site protocols to minimise disruption and ensure compliance with heritage and environmental regulations.

• Archaeological Sensitivity: Given the historical significance of Bodiam Castle, archaeological inspections were integrated into the excavation phase. Work was planned in coordination with heritage experts to prevent disturbance of potential artefacts.
• High Water Table: The site’s naturally high groundwater level posed a challenge during excavation. Continuous diesel overpumping was deployed to manage groundwater and keep the site dry, ensuring safe and effective installation of below-ground infrastructure.
• Public Safety: As a live public site, Bodiam Castle required enhanced safety measures. Access control and visual barriers were used to separate the work area, keeping visitors safe without restricting the site’s general access.
• Overflow Risk Mitigation: To address the risk of overflow in case of pump failure, a high-level alarm system was installed. This ensured early detection and intervention, preventing the above-ground storage tanks from overwhelming the pump chamber.

Willow Pumps successfully delivered a robust and sensitive pumping solution at Bodiam Castle, balancing the operational needs of wastewater management with the environmental and cultural responsibilities of working on a heritage site. The result is a future-proofed, safe, and compliant installation that protects both the castle grounds and public visitors.

Facing challenges with wastewater treatment, compliance, or site-specific constraints? Willow Pumps offers bespoke solutions that are designed to meet your unique needs. From historic sites like Bodiam Castle to modern developments, our experienced team delivers reliable, efficient, and compliant systems. Get in touch today to find out how we can help.