Siobhan Brocklehurst
You may have noticed that we’ve recently carried out important pond maintenance by cutting back and removing plants. This is because healthy ponds need the right balance of light, water flow and vegetation.
If ponds are left unmanaged, they gradually accumulate leaves, silt and excessive plant growth. This leads to stagnant water, reduced oxygen and light levels, and eventually, the pond may lose its biodiversity through the disappearance of aquatic plants, invertebrates and fish that rely on clear, oxygen-rich water to survive.
By removing the debris and managing plant growth, we help ensure that water and nutrients can cycle properly. This keeps our ponds thriving and full of life, supporting the insects, invertebrates, amphibians, birds and plants which depend on habitats like these.
Our recent work in the pond at Coleorton included clearing debris from the base, trimming trees to increase light, and cutting vegetation to keep the water flowing from the channel – which we also cleared. At New Lount, we removed overhanging vegetation and debris to open up the seasonal pond, managed vegetation around the edges of the “Stinky Pond” to keep water open and moving, and at the Jetty Pond, we cleared as much of the New Zealand Pygmyweed as possible to improve water flow and habitat quality.
By carrying out this regular pond maintenance, we are helping to secure healthy, diverse and resilient habitats. These ponds not only support wildlife, but also enhance the landscape for everyone to enjoy!
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