You may remember that I wrote about the developments last Spring thus it is time to give an update. During the summer the pond showed off all its lovely colours with tree blossom, and wild flowers lining the edges of the banks. Several wild fowl such as Moorhens and Mallard ducks visited, and a Coot family managed to make a nest and raise four chicks. What a delightful scene with the family making full use of the pond.
Other wild life such as a Grass Snake decided to investigate the habitat leaving a sign that it had passed by although the volunteers were not able to actually view the animal. Foxes and rabbits continue to visit almost every night as they leave footprints all over the site. Birds, such as Jays, Wrens, Robins have been seen in recent weeks feeding on seeds and nuts that have been left out for them, and also helping us to find bugs, worms etc from the freshly dug over earth during our work days.
Landscape wise, many trees have been pollarded or coppiced to improve their health and allow new growth in the coming seasons. Several trees have been cut down to improve sight lines as new seating for visitors has been installed around the pond site. The fruit trees planted a year ago have established themselves so maybe this year fruit to pick may be possible. Do you love nettles? Neither do we! So during recent weeks we have been using a special tool to cut down the millions of such plants invading our site. With much colder weather of late, the plants have not attempted to re-grow.
Talking of the climate, you may be interested to see the photograph taken when frost was particularly severe resulting in the pond being frozen over when the thermometer showed a drop to below zero degrees. The following morning, a light covering of snow covered the ground so out came the camera to record the picture. What a lovely sight the pond makes in the winter.
Looking to next month, our friends from the Egham & Staines group will be joining us to speed up the completion of many tasks to prepare the pond for Spring and Summer. Why not make a note in your diary for 22nd March to join us. Everybody is welcome either to help with the work or to view the pond and see the progress being achieved to make this site such a wonderful amenity for local people.
Another date for your diary is Saturday, 20th June, when we shall hold an open day in conjunction with Laleham Residents’ Association Open Gardens. From 12 noon until 4pm just turn up, view the site, and talk to us about our future plans.
Raymond Thorn
Spelthorne Civic pride Volunteers