The pond at the SW corner of the orchard was created by the Friends, with a council Residents’ Priority Fund, to provide a habitat for threatened freshwater and wetland species of plants and animals – such as frogs, newts and toads, as well as dragonflies, damselflies, and other invertebrates.
After excavating the pond and creating banks, in early 2016, the pond was filled, but failed to retain water, despite high clay levels in the substrate. Volunteers tried clay puddling and bentonite layering, but these were not effective. Finally, in spring 2017 a custom-made butyl membrane sandwiched between protective geotex layers was installed – with a soil layer on top, and the pond no longer leaked. Coir rolls and mats pre-planted with native British pond plants and marginals, and deeper pond plants like water lilies, were introduced later in that spring, and the pond now has a very established look.
To additionally enrich the habitat, and protect the pond from stiff westerly planted around the pond, by volunteers and Friends. It would be very helpful if dogwalkers could keep their dogs out of the pond, to avoid disturbance to the pond and its wildlife, and possible damage to the membrane. The fencing around the pond was erected by the council to help keep the area dog-free: of course, park users are welcome to enter via the two latched gates, and enjoy the peace and wildlife. We have plans to position an attractive bench overlooking the pond, and to encourage school use of the site.
Wildlife Pond & Wetlands Volunteers
Managing Wildlife Pond/Support the management of a new wetlands in the Park.
