Perhaps some of you can clear up my confusion. I understand (at least I think I do) what a
swale on contour is and what it is supposed to do. However, there has recently been some discussion about off contour swales. How is this any different to a standard drainage ditch as it will be moving the
water away from the area? Surely once it is off contour it is no longer a swale but a ditch? Please enlighten me as to where my reasoning is failing me as it is niggling away at my brain and in the
books that I have I can't find
enough information on swales to find out where I am figuring this out wrong.
