New build: Grass

[SimonR]

Drainage ditches will have a limited effect if there isnt a decent drainage blanket across the area. A clay pan will always be a problem unless its dealt with, which means breaking up the clay structure - it needs to be rotovated with sand and loam or sand and peat or compost, something to give it some organic structure. This will help the clay not to smear and will aid drainage and more importantly encourage worms which will also help break up the clay pan. If you want to make a good job and have the patience, planting potatoes for a year will also improve the soil considerably, before laying topsoil and turf.