R. Matthews Excavations is a family-run business with over 30 years of experience delivering specialist excavation, aquatic engineering, earthworks and restoration projects across Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and beyond. From lake construction and reservoir creation to dredging, erosion control, drainage and large-scale earthworks, we combine expert plant operation with practical knowledge and a genuine respect for the natural environment.
R Matthews Excavations is a family-run business with over 30 years of experience delivering specialist excavation, lake and pond construction, restoration and maintenance, reservoir projects, dredging, restoration and earthworks and civil engineering across Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and beyond.
Combining expert plant operation with a practical understanding of the land and water environment, we help private clients, estates, fisheries, farms and commercial organisations bring challenging projects to life.
From large-scale lake restoration and reservoir construction through to earthworks, drainage and erosion control, we provide a complete range of excavation and aquatic engineering services tailored to each project.
From wildlife ponds and fishing lakes to large estate lakes and natural water features, we create bespoke aquatic environments designed to complement the surrounding landscape and meet your long-term objectives.
From agricultural and water storage reservoirs to attenuation ponds, lagoons and water storage systems, we provide practical excavation and construction solutions tailored to the needs of farms, estates and commercial operations.
From estate lakes and fisheries to reservoirs and wildlife ponds, we provide specialist dredging and desilting services designed to restore capacity, improve water quality, enhance biodiversity and long-term performance.
Bringing ageing lakes, ponds, wetlands and other water features back to life through restoration, habitat enhancement, leak repairs and environmental improvements.
Protecting banks, shorelines and embankments with practical erosion control solutions including oak revetments, piling systems and bio-engineered stabilisation methods.
Installation of spillways, culverts, headwalls, outlet structures, drainage systems and flood prevention measures designed to manage water safely and effectively.
Bulk excavation, site preparation, land clearance, landscaping, drainage, foundations, access roads and enabling works for agricultural, commercial and private clients.
Our specialist machinery and attachments help us deliver efficient, high-quality excavation, dredging, restoration and earthworks projects across a wide range of environments.
Our project portfolio is diverse including lake dredging, maintenance and enhancement, reservoir and lagoon construction, water control structures such as spillways, fishing lakes, ephemeral wildlife ponds, flood prevention works, revetments, drainage schemes, site preparation, earthworks and specialist landscaping projects. Browse our gallery to see our machinery and team in action across a wide variety of successful projects.
We’re proud to have built long-standing relationships with clients throughout Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and beyond, with much of our work coming from repeat business and recommendations.
After dredging his first pond at the age of just 16, Ross Matthews developed a passion for both heavy machinery and the aquatic environment that has grown into more than 30 years of specialist excavation experience.
Today, Ross, Emma and the team work across Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and beyond, helping landowners, estates, fisheries, farms and commercial clients bring challenging projects to life. From restoring historic lakes and constructing reservoirs to delivering large-scale earthworks and drainage schemes, every project is approached with care, practical knowledge and attention to detail.
Based near Billingshurst, we regularly work throughout West Sussex, East Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire and welcome enquiries from clients across the South East and further afield for specialist aquatic engineering and excavation projects.
Initial Discussion
Tell us about your project and requirements.
Site Visit
We will assess the site, access requirements and project objectives.
Quotation & Planning
A detailed quotation and proposed approach is prepared.
Project Delivery
Our experienced team completes the work safely, efficiently and to the highest standard.
Whether you’re restoring a historic lake, constructing a new reservoir, improving drainage or undertaking large-scale earthworks, Ross and the team would be happy to discuss your requirements.
With over 30 years of practical experience and specialist machinery at our disposal, we can provide expert advice and a tailored solution for your project.
