Where the claystone and ironstone layers are exposed, water seeps down the valley walls, a constant trickle maintaining the swamp's vegetation, and as fauna decays, peaty soils build-up, extending down the slope. From afar and above, a subtle line marks the outline of the swamp, where trees yield to sedges.
This project sought to understand the Upper Kedumba catchment as a network of flows—not only of water but also of opportunities. Our goal was to comprehend how the community was already caring for the catchment through various methods and approaches, all aimed at achieving the health of both the catchment and the community.
Technically, we looked at permeable surfaces and sought to implement a road-to-water table replenishment to slow down water, placate water, and keep it in the catchment so it can do its habitat-building work before heading downstream. Layers of impermeable claystone and ironstone sit below the porous sandstone, creating a soak and allowing peaty soil to form.
