In this space, we share inspiration, tips, and stories that help you get the most out of our services. Whether you're looking for helpful tips, background information, or a behind-the-scenes look: you'll find it all here. We regularly post new articles, so keep an eye on the blog for updates and new insights.
When you need a digger and driver in Tiverton, it pays to choose a team that knows the land, the soil, and the job. At Axis Plant & Groundworks, we specialise in providing mini digger and driver hire across Tiverton, Devon and the South West, helping homeowners, builders and landowners get projects completed quickly, safely and to a high professional standard.
Every horse owner dreams of a dry, level, all-weather arena — but too often, wet winters and poor preparation turn good intentions into muddy frustration. The truth is, a beautiful riding surface starts with what’s underneath. Proper groundworks and drainage are the difference between a soggy sandpit and a professional manège that rides perfectly year-round.
Designing and building a riding arena may seem straightforward — a rectangle of sand and fencing — but in reality, it’s a precise balance of drainage, groundwork, and layout. Small errors made during planning or construction can lead to big problems later.
When it comes to building a horse arena, it’s what lies beneath that truly determines its success. The best riding surface in the world won’t perform well if the base underneath is uneven, soft, or holding water. A strong, well-drained foundation ensures your arena rides smoothly, drains quickly, and lasts for decades.
Building a horse arena is one of the most rewarding investments you can make for your horses — but it’s also one of the most technical. Getting the design and groundwork right from the start ensures your arena drains properly, rides well, and lasts for years without costly repairs.
For small farms and rural holdings, managing water isn’t just about keeping things dry — it’s about working with the land to protect soil, crops, and the environment. Good water management helps prevent flooding, reduces erosion, supports biodiversity, and keeps your farm productive all year round.
A well-planned drainage pond can solve several rural water problems at once — reducing flooding, improving soil health, and providing a valuable wildlife habitat. Whether you’re managing a smallholding, farmland, or rural property, a pond designed for natural drainage helps you control excess water safely and sustainably.
If your land often stays soggy after rain or forms puddles that never seem to dry, poor drainage may be to blame. Over time, excess surface water can cause soil erosion, crop damage, and even structural issues. Knowing the warning signs early can save you costly repairs later.
In rural areas, well-maintained ditches are vital for managing surface water, protecting access routes, and keeping land usable all year round. Yet ditch maintenance is often overlooked until flooding or erosion becomes a problem. Regular care keeps water flowing freely, prevents costly damage, and helps maintain healthy, productive ground.
In rural areas, heavy rain is a fact of life — especially here in Devon and the South West. When water isn’t managed properly, it can quickly turn fields, access tracks, and building sites into muddy, unusable ground. Good runoff management protects soil, prevents erosion, and keeps your land safe, stable, and ready to work.
There’s something timeless about water on a property — whether it’s a tranquil garden pond, a working farm stream, or a small wildlife-friendly waterway. But building or maintaining these features properly takes more than a shovel and a bit of luck. It requires planning, the right machinery, and an understanding of how water moves through the land.
Before any new build, extension, or landscaping project can begin, the first and most important step is preparing the ground. Land and site clearance isn’t just about making space — it’s about creating a clean, safe, and stable foundation for everything that follows.
