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Earth Science Partnership

Ground Stability Survey

ESP carries out ground stability surveys that identify land instability risks and provide practical recommendations for mitigation and development. 

We have extensive experience conducting ground stability surveys. This includes mine workings, and a comprehensive portfolio of slope stabilisation works has been carried out in the UK, particularly in Wales, where a large number of colliery spoil tips and post-glacial landslips exist.

Our expertise includes the rapid investigation of the slopes, highlighting the potential hazards, examining the remediation options, and overseeing subsequent works. Land instability occurs for a number of reasons and can vary in its predictability and the effect on proposed or existing developments.

Our Ground Stability Surveys

Recent Ground Stability Projects

Case Study 1: Pantteg Landslide, Ystalyfera

ESP provided a rapid response to the large-scale landslide issues at Pantteg, Ystalyfera in the Swansea Valley to create an accurate hazard and risk assessment based on the most up-to-date methods of landslide and geohazard assessment.

Case Study 2: Wales Air Ambulance site, Dafen

ESP were asked to make a reactive geohazard management visit to the Wales Air Ambulance site in Llanelli, where critical infrastructure is concerned. We implemented an initial assessment to define the Conceptual Ground Model with subsequent stages involving Risk Assessment and Remedial Design.

A selected list of example projects can be found on our Projects and Technical page.

Case Study 3: Investigating treatment of variable ground conditions, West Swansea

ESP delivered a ground stability study for remedial earthworks in West Swansea, supporting the investigation and treatment of variable ground conditions affecting development.

We undertook a detailed review of site investigation data alongside targeted assessment of ground behaviour to identify areas of instability and inform appropriate remediation measures.

Our work included supervision and interpretation of ground investigation results to confirm improved ground performance, providing confidence in stability, bearing capacity and long-term suitability for development.

Why are Ground Stability Assessments Needed?

Ground and land stability, or instability, can be as a result of a number of processes including:

  • Mining subsidence a legacy of historic coal mining, metal or mineral mining including iron ore, brine and building stone extraction (discover more about the coal mine assessment services we offer).
  • Natural subsidence as a result of the dissolution of soluble rocks, known as karstic terrain in areas with limestone bedrock.
  • Slope stability issues including landslides and cliff or rock slope failure.
  • Movement from fine-grained soil (such as the London Clay Formation) prone to shrinkage and swelling with different moisture contents and weak or compressible ground (such as alluvium);
  • Valley cambering can also form gulls and valley bulging.

Explore our project gallery to see our team in action. From initial investigations to final delivery, these images represent our commitment to high quality data collection and the professional standards we bring to every project.

Project Gallery

We are proud to serve as a trusted partner for a diverse range of clients, delivering specialist geotechnical and geo-environmental expertise to the UK’s most ambitious projects.

Trusted By

We operate within a framework of professional memberships and industry-recognised accreditations, including ISO9001 and ISO 14001, ensuring that our technical delivery is consistently aligned with the highest standards of quality and governance.

Our Accreditations

Need Help With Your Next Project?

Client Testimonials

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Simon Lewis
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Earth Science Partnership recently completed an independent geo-environmental review for us and I have been extremely impressed with both the quality of their work and the professionalism of the team. The report was comprehensive, balanced and technically robust, helping us navigate a complex evidence base and identify the key issues requiring further consideration. Just as importantly, ESP were approachable and willing to engage constructively with questions arising from the draft report. Special thanks to Daniel Thomas for his time, patience and willingness to explain technical matters in a way that non-specialists could understand. It was clear throughout that the focus was on objective, evidence-led analysis rather than simply telling a client what they wanted to hear. A highly professional consultancy and one I would most happily recommend. Simon Lewis : Secretary : Nant-Y-Calch Conservation Group
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Barbara
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Earth Science Partnership has helped us immensely through a , long, stressful and complex situation following a major leak under our property. We had the absolute pleasure of working with Giles Sommerwill, who was with us every step of the way. He helped us to understand the geological conditions and ramifications following such a major leak, and then informed and advised us during the process of agreeing a remedial solution with the water company, as well as helping us address other issues that arose over time. Giles is experienced, knowledgeable and highly qualified. We could not have hoped to work with anyone more professional, reliable or kind. We also felt that Giles was genuinely concerned, not just about our property, but about our well-being. Thanks to him, we highly recommend, and praise, Earth Science Partnership.
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Roberta Morgan
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Having used the services of Earth Science Partnership on two previous occasions, we had no reservations about employing them for a third time. They are very professional and produce excellent detailed reports on what they are able to do. They are prepared to listen to everything you require and would highly recommend them.
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Joshua Pike
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ESP undertook some thorough CMRA (Coal Mining Risk Assessment) works for our site. They showed a surprising level of knowledge into the historical mining methods and establishment of mining sites. Prompt and in-depth reporting and great communication, would definitely recommend.
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Duncan Phillips
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Great client to deal with!
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Keri Beal
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Great communication, excellent prompt service.
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Oliver Stacey
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ESP have done some excellent GI works for me and produced some excellent in depth reports for our client (Network Rail)

Speak To Our Experts Today

Earth Science Partnership is a leading expert in ground stability surveys across Wales, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland. We have decades of combined experience in our team of industry-recognised experts.

Our work, for homeowners, land owners, developers, and investors, is completed in compliance with the latest, relevant industry best practices and guidance. We understand that every project is unique, so we deliver our services tailored to your needs.

If you’re looking to complete a ground stability survey, the ESP team can support you with a straightforward, cost-effective solution for your planning permission application.

Matthew Eynon
Matthew Eynon, ESP Director

Author

I am a UK Registered Ground Engineering Specialist and Chartered Engineering & Environmental Geologist with significant experience in Site Hazard Assessment, Remediation, Design, and Implementation across the Geoenvironmental and Geotechnical sectors in the UK and abroad.

I often work in multi-disciplinary teams advising other engineering and design professionals on the implications of ground hazards.

My work involves undertaking design, planning, management, and reporting of ground investigations. For example investigations for new developments and many bespoke studies including:

  • Assessment of hydrogeological settings, materials for earthworks.
  • Impact of abandoned mine workings.
  • Remediation and stability assessment of soil and rock slopes/landslides, most notably the Pantteg Landslide in the Swansea Valley for which I have guided and presented assessments to Local Authority officers and the general public.
 

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