100Million Litre Reservoir in Suffolk
By Marc Carter | 8 October 2026
Tru Earthworks Completes 100 Million Litre Agricultural Reservoir in Suffolk
Tru7 Group has completed another major agricultural reservoir project in Suffolk. The Tru Earthworks team delivered a 100,000m³ water storage reservoir at Capel St Andrew, near Rendlesham Forest, in just over seven weeks.
Working for a returning customer, the team transformed a former sugar beet field into a large-scale agricultural reservoir. The project strengthens Tru Earthworks' growing portfolio of agricultural reservoir construction projects across Suffolk and East Anglia.
Despite challenging ground conditions, the team completed the main construction works almost three weeks ahead of schedule.
From initial site preparation to core trench excavation, clay compaction and reservoir formation, the project demonstrated the expertise and extensive plant fleet available within Tru7 Group.
Supporting British Agriculture Through Earthworks
Based in Suffolk, Tru7 Group provides a wide range of construction industry services across the UK. These include earthworks, demolition, plant hire, concrete, aggregates, recycling and commercial vehicle services.
Through Tru Earthworks, the Group delivers specialist bulk earthworks, site preparation, ground engineering and agricultural reservoir construction.
Our experienced operators and modern machinery allow us to undertake complex earthmoving projects nationwide.
Agricultural reservoirs form an important part of our earthworks portfolio. They provide farmers with greater water security and help support sustainable agricultural operations.
With unpredictable weather patterns and increasing pressure on water supplies, effective water storage is becoming increasingly valuable.
By constructing agricultural reservoirs across Suffolk and beyond, Tru Earthworks continues to support British agriculture and the wider rural economy.
Why Are Agricultural Reservoirs Important?
Agricultural reservoirs allow farms to collect and store large volumes of water for future use.
Farmers can often store water during periods of greater availability. They can then use these reserves for crop irrigation during the growing season, particularly when rainfall is limited.
This provides several important benefits:
- Improved water security: Reliable stored water supplies help farmers manage dry periods.
- Greater irrigation flexibility: Farmers can access stored water when crops need it most.
- Reduced pressure on water resources: Storing water during periods of greater availability can reduce the need for abstraction during drier months.
- Support for crop production: Reliable irrigation helps maintain agricultural productivity.
- Long-term agricultural resilience: Additional water storage supports future farming operations.
However, agricultural reservoir construction involves much more than excavating a large hole.
Ground conditions, soil suitability, water retention and embankment stability all require careful consideration.
Contractors must also excavate, transport, place and compact substantial volumes of material.
These challenges were particularly evident during our latest project near Rendlesham.
Transforming a Suffolk Field into a 100 Million Litre Reservoir
Before work began, the site at Capel St Andrew was a flat agricultural field previously used for growing sugar beet.
The Tru Earthworks team started by mobilising two Caterpillar D6 dozers to strip the topsoil and prepare the site.
Three days later, a Caterpillar 340 excavator arrived to begin excavating the reservoir's core trench.
This critical part of the construction process involved excavating approximately four metres below the original ground level.
The team removed unsuitable materials, including silt and sand, before placing suitable clay back into the trench.
This engineered clay core forms an important part of the reservoir's water-retaining structure.
However, varying ground conditions soon added complexity to the operation.
To maintain progress, the team introduced a Volvo EC260 excavator alongside the Cat 340.
As work continued, the excavation fleet was adjusted. A Volvo EC400 and Volvo EC260 then took responsibility for advancing the core trench.
Operators placed suitable clay back into the excavation in controlled layers. The dozers then spread the material ready for compaction.
This carefully managed process helped create a stable, engineered reservoir structure.
Overcoming Challenging Ground Conditions
One of the biggest challenges was the changing ground conditions across the site.
Different areas contained varying types of clay, including sections of London Clay.
Moisture levels also differed considerably.
Some areas contained relatively dry clay that could be compacted using conventional methods. Other sections were significantly wetter and required a different approach.
As a result, the team continually adapted its excavation, material placement and compaction techniques.
Close communication between operators and the site management team was essential.
By responding to these changing conditions, Tru Earthworks maintained progress while delivering the required engineering standards.
Bulk Earthworks and Reservoir Construction
Once the core trench had progressed sufficiently, the Caterpillar 340 moved onto the main reservoir excavation.
Working alongside two Volvo A30 articulated dump trucks, the excavator began removing material from the reservoir.
The dump trucks transported the excavated material to designated areas for reservoir formation.
This approach allowed multiple operations to progress simultaneously.
While the Volvo excavators continued constructing the core trench, the Caterpillar 340 and articulated dump trucks focused on the main excavation.
The team gradually transformed the original field into a substantial agricultural water storage facility.
Reservoir Capacity: 100 Million Litres
The completed agricultural reservoir provides approximately:
- 100,000m³ of water storage capacity
- 100,000 tonnes of water when filled
- 100,000,000 litres of water storage
This significant capacity will help provide the farm with a reliable water resource for future agricultural operations.
Agricultural Reservoir Completed Ahead of Schedule
The original construction programme allowed ten weeks to complete the project.
Despite challenging clay conditions and technically demanding excavation works, the Tru Earthworks team completed the main reservoir construction in just over seven weeks.
Favourable weather played an important role.
The prolonged dry conditions allowed excavation, earthmoving and clay compaction to continue with minimal weather-related disruption.
Heavy rainfall could have made the operation considerably more difficult, particularly in areas containing wetter clay.
However, effective planning, experienced operators and the ability to adapt machinery resources all contributed to the successful delivery.
Following the main construction works, the team reinstated the topsoil and completed the final site finishing.
The result was another major agricultural reservoir delivered ahead of programme.
Another Successful Suffolk Reservoir Project for Tru Earthworks
The Capel St Andrew reservoir represents another successful project within Tru Earthworks' expanding agricultural portfolio.
It also marks another completed scheme for a returning customer.
Repeat business reflects the strong relationships Tru7 Group continues to build through reliable service, quality workmanship and successful project delivery.
Every agricultural reservoir presents different challenges.
Ground conditions, clay suitability, reservoir capacity, site access and operational requirements can all influence the construction process.
Our experienced teams understand these challenges and adapt their approach to suit each project.
Supported by Tru7 Group's extensive fleet of excavators, dozers, articulated dump trucks and specialist equipment, Tru Earthworks delivers large-scale earthmoving and reservoir construction projects across the UK.
Our wider earthworks services include:
- Agricultural reservoir and lagoon construction
- Bulk excavation and earthmoving
- Site clearance and preparation
- Soil stabilisation and ground engineering
- Large-scale muck shifting
- Land remediation works
- Commercial and infrastructure earthworks
From agricultural projects in Suffolk to major construction schemes nationwide, we have the machinery, operators and expertise to deliver.
Looking for Agricultural Reservoir or Bulk Earthworks Contractors?
Whether you're planning an agricultural reservoir, lagoon construction or large-scale earthmoving project, Tru Earthworks can help.
Our experienced team combines modern machinery with practical engineering knowledge to deliver efficient, reliable earthworks solutions.
Explore Tru Earthworks to learn more about our nationwide capabilities.
Alternatively, contact our earthworks team to discuss your upcoming project.
Another challenging project completed. Another reservoir ready to support Suffolk agriculture for years to come.
