Open Ditch Drainage System

A ditch which is not filled in with pipework and gravel but kept open to the elements. This might be considered as an outlet for lateral or main drain pipework, or for mole drains. Other situations might include:
• Using on silty or unstable soils, such a Gley soils, where subsurface drainage might be unsuitable;
• To remove larger volumes of water than can be achieved with pipework; or
• Where resources are very limited and excavating or utilizing and existing ditch is the quickest and cheapest option.