We Define
The Depths
of the South East
Groundworks and Drainage Contractors in East Sussex
Groundworks, Concrete Works, Drainage & Water Contractors in Kent & East Sussex
Subsoil Land & Water is an independent groundworks and water management contractor working across Kent and East Sussex from our base in Battle. For over a decade we've helped farmers, landowners, developers and householders get the most from their land — whether that's sorting a drainage problem, building a pond, creating a wetland or preparing a site for the next stage. We specialise in pond and lake creation, lake dredging, habitat and wetland creation, land drainage and groundworks. We run our own plant and team, so every job is delivered in-house, on time and built to last.
What We Do
Properly Qualified,
Fully Insured, In-House Plant
We hold the accreditations and insurance you'd expect from a much larger firm, combined with the personal service of a small, independent business. From specialist pond construction, dredging and water management to land drainage, water utilities and concrete works, every project is delivered by a qualified, insured team using our own plant.
EUSR
Energy & Utility Skills Register — water utility works
NPORS
National Plant Operators Registration Scheme
LANTRA
Land-based industry training & certification
CSCS
Construction Skills Certification Scheme
Licensed Waste Carriers
Registered upper-tier waste carrier
Water Management Specialists
Pond and lake creation, lake de-silting, lake dredging, habitat and wetland creation and land drainage — our specialist water management division controls water on, in and under your land across Kent and East Sussex.
Licensed Waste Carriers
Registered upper-tier waste carriers with our own haulage — muck-away, silt removal and disposal handled in-house, compliantly and without subcontractor delays.
£5m Public Liability
Comprehensive public liability and employers' liability insurance on every project, big or small — complete peace of mind from a single land drain to a full pond construction.
Our Own Plant Fleet
Owned excavators, dumpers and specialist plant from micro-excavators to 8-tonne machines — self-sufficient, efficient and always on schedule, with no subcontractor delays.
10+ Years Experience
Over a decade of groundworks and water management across the Wealden clay, chalk downlands and coastal soils of Kent and East Sussex.
Built on Reputation,
Driven by Standards
When you choose Subsoil Land & Water, you're choosing a small, local, independent groundworks business based in Battle, East Sussex. We treat every project — from a single land drain to a full site clearance — with the same care and professionalism you'd expect from a much larger firm.
10+ Years Experience
Over a decade of groundworks expertise across Kent and East Sussex. Based in Battle, we're a small local team that knows the soil, the land, and the people of our surrounding towns and villages.
Fully Insured
Comprehensive public liability and employers' liability insurance for complete peace of mind on every project, big or small.
EUSR & NPORS Accredited
Our workforce holds EUSR, NPORS, LANTRA, and CSCS accreditations — properly qualified for water utilities, plant operations, and land-based work.
Local & Independent
We're a small, independent business — not a faceless corporation. Every client gets our full attention and personal service from start to finish.
Precision Work
Accuracy on every drainage run, foundation, and water pipe installation. We measure twice, dig once, and get it right first time.
Our Own Plant
Our own fleet of excavators and specialist plant means we're self-sufficient, efficient, and always on schedule.
Land Drainage Specialists for East Sussex
East Sussex's clay soils and wet winters create drainage challenges that generic contractors simply aren't equipped to solve. At Subsoil Land & Water, we've been installing, repairing, and maintaining land drainage systems across Battle, Lewes, Hastings, Eastbourne, Uckfield, and the wider Sussex area for over 10 years.
From mole draining and subsoiling on agricultural land to herringbone drain networks on country estates, cut-off drains for properties on sloping ground, and ditch clearance for rural landowners — we handle the full range of drainage work. And because we understand the local geology, we know which solution will actually work for your soil type and situation.
Book a free drainage site survey — we'll walk your land, identify the problems, and give you straightforward advice on what needs doing.
What Our Clients Say
"Subsoil Land & Water handled the foundations for our new build extension in Tunbridge Wells. Professional from start to finish — the trenches were spot-on and they completed the work ahead of schedule."
James Morrison
Homeowner, Tunbridge Wells
"We've used them on four separate development projects across Cranbrook and Tunbridge Wells. Their drainage installations are impeccable, and their team works seamlessly with our build schedule."
Sarah Thompson
Site Manager, Thompson Developments
"Outstanding work on our driveway and access road in Eastbourne. The road planings surface is absolutely solid and has transformed the approach to our property. Highly recommend for anyone in the East Sussex area."
David & Claire Parsons
Homeowners, Eastbourne
Recent Projects
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Whatever groundworks, drainage, or water management problem you're facing, we have the experience and equipment to solve it. Click your problem below to find out how we can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we hear most from homeowners, farmers and estate managers across Kent and East Sussex.
What areas do you cover for land drainage?
Based in Battle, East Sussex, we cover Battle, Lewes, Hastings, Eastbourne, Bexhill, Uckfield, Crowborough, Hailsham, Robertsbridge, Winchelsea, and the surrounding rural areas across East Sussex, West Sussex, and Kent.
How much does land drainage cost in East Sussex?
The cost depends on the type of system, the area being drained, and the ground conditions. We provide free site surveys and transparent quotes with no obligation — every job is different and we price accordingly.
How do I know if my land needs drainage?
If you have standing water that persists more than two days after rain, waterlogged or spongy ground in winter, poor crop or grass growth in wet areas, or water entering buildings, your land likely needs drainage attention. A free site survey will confirm this.
How long does land drainage last?
A well-installed perforated pipe drainage system can last 25-50 years, though maintenance may be needed to clear silt or root ingress. Mole drains typically last 3-7 years depending on soil type and conditions. We advise on expected lifespan for each solution we install.
Do you work on agricultural land and country estates?
Yes. We work extensively with farms, country estates, and large rural properties across East Sussex, West Sussex, and Kent. We have the equipment and experience to handle everything from small paddocks to large estate drainage networks.
How quickly can you respond to emergency drainage callouts?
We respond to all enquiries within 24 hours and can prioritise emergency callouts where flooding is causing damage to property or land. Call us directly for urgent drainage problems.
Do you offer free site surveys?
Yes. We offer a free, no-obligation site survey and assessment for every project. We'll visit your land, diagnose the problem and recommend the right solution — with no pressure to proceed.
Are you insured and qualified?
Yes. We hold EUSR, NPORS, LANTRA and CSCS accreditations, we're licensed waste carriers, and we carry £5m public liability insurance with over 10 years of experience across Kent and East Sussex.
What types of drainage do you install?
We install perforated pipe land drainage, French drains, soakaways, attenuation systems, field drainage, mole drainage, surface water drainage and ditch systems — designed for the clay, chalk and sandstone soils of Kent and East Sussex.
Do you work on commercial and residential properties?
Yes. We work on domestic, commercial, agricultural and estate properties — from garden drainage and agricultural groundworks to estate lake construction and commercial site clearance.
How long have you been operating?
We have over 10 years of experience delivering groundworks, drainage and water management projects across Kent and East Sussex.
Do you offer pond maintenance contracts?
Yes. We provide annual maintenance contracts for ponds and lakes, visiting 2-4 times per year to carry out seasonal work. We also offer one-off maintenance visits for urgent issues.
Can you build a pond on clay soil without a liner?
In some cases, yes. If the clay content is high enough and the soil is properly compacted, a natural clay seal can hold water without any synthetic liner. We assess this during the site survey.
How big can you build a pond or lake?
We've constructed everything from small garden ponds to large estate lakes and agricultural reservoirs. The size is determined by your available space, water supply, and requirements.
Do you work with environmental schemes and grants?
We design and build wetland features that qualify for schemes like Countryside Stewardship and Biodiversity Net Gain. We can advise on what's needed and point you toward the right organisations for funding applications.
How often should a pond be desilted?
Most ponds need desilting every 5-10 years, depending on surrounding trees, runoff, and pond size. We assess silt levels during maintenance visits and advise on timing.
Can you repair a leaking pond or lake?
Yes. We locate leaks through systematic inspection of the dam, liner, inlet, and outlet, then carry out targeted repairs — whether that's relining, clay puddling, dam reinforcement, or sealing root penetrations.
Do you create reed beds for wastewater treatment?
Yes. We construct reed bed filtration systems for septic tank outfalls, agricultural runoff, and surface water polishing. These are planted with common reed at the correct density for effective filtration.
Serving Kent & East Sussex
Proudly based in Battle, East Sussex, we deliver groundworks, land drainage, and water utility services across the towns and villages of Kent and East Sussex. Search your town below or click through to see the services we offer in your area.
Our Home Base
Unit 2 Hen House, Beech Farm
Battle, East Sussex, TN33 0LL
United Kingdom
16 areas found
East Sussex(12)
Battle
TN33Hastings
TN34–TN38Bexhill
TN39–TN40Eastbourne
BN20–BN23Lewes
BN7Rye
TN31Hailsham
BN27Heathfield
TN21Robertsbridge
TN32Uckfield
TN22Crowborough
TN6Winchelsea
TN36Don't see your town listed? We cover the wider South East — just ask.
View full coverage areaGet Your Free Quote
Tell us what you need and we'll come out to assess your site for free. No obligation, no pressure — just honest advice and a fixed-price quote from a local, independent groundworks team based in Battle, East Sussex.
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07376 62263724-hour response
We reply to every enquiry within 24 hours.
Ready to Break Ground?
Whether it's a domestic land drain, agricultural earthworks, or a commercial site clearance, our Battle-based team will provide a detailed, no-obligation quote for your groundworks project across the towns and villages of Kent and East Sussex.