Well Mick I am intending that the layout be built a few metres closer to the camera from the fence and the railway actually being wider than what you can see in the picture. I am going to try not to put a gradient in it which might mean moving the railway a bit up the hill where it becomes a bit more level so that its a bit easier to do but we shall have to see. It is just over exposure, its actually a field full of horses. and even though it isnt a river there the amount of water and the dampness of the ground at the moment is amazing, but then again I live in a part of the country that has had I think 3 flood warnings in the past week. I really am looking forward to getting back into OO gauge as I believe the detailing on the locos especially the 7f is really good. Grockle thanks for showing me the pictures, I am mainly doing it for the length of the trains and the ability to watch them going round and round. I have also been thinking about the various plants and finally decided that I would have to go and have a look at our local garden centre.
Some more pictures to help you get the size and gradients of the space I have to play with: