Where not to build a swale

A swale is a berm (ditch + mound, pictured below) perpendicular to a slope. It looks like a drain but is perfectly level, so water only exits when it soaks through into the soil or evaporates.

However, it’s critical to understand that building swales near the top of slip-prone slopes is inappropriate and dangerous. We have keyline drains that follow the slope’s natural contour in these areas, directing water away from the gullies and out onto the ridges. In this way we can spread and slow overland flow during heavy rains while providing extra water to the drier ridges.

Read more about keyline drainage: yeomansplow.com.au – click on

‘8. Yeomans Keyline Systems Explained’