BRIDGE POOL
POND RESTORATION
A pond restoration project, the task was to transform the neglected overgrown farm pond into an environment that would provide a facility to support the production of freshwater fish.
THE LAND
Engulfed by encroaching Bullrush, neglect had claimed this boggy space.
Large willows were casting shade over the pond, stealing sunlight from the water throughout the day, years of leaf-fall from these willows were contributing to the siltation, which gave opportunity for the bullrush to thrive.
This level of silt was responsible for acidic water and poor dissolved oxygen levels that would only support a very limited number of aquatic species. The poor oxygen content was compromising the aerobic bacterial processes required to break down the silt organically.
OUR BESPOKE SOLUTION
The first task was to dredge the silt to remove the bullrush and restore some depth of water to prevent invasive marginal plant species from re-claiming the pond again. The surrounding trees were felled and up-rooted to expose the surface of the water to sunlight and air movement for more sufficient oxygen diffusion and organic bacterial processes.
During dredging, the size of the pond was increased slightly, using clay to build a bund around the pond to prevent future flooding from the surrounding brook and the potential risk of pollution from the stream.
Once the banks of the pond had been re-shaped and graded, marginal plants were sourced. Iris, Carex and Scirpus species were harvested from the surrounding wetland and re-located around the margins for their bank-binding properties and crucial uptake of nitrate required for healthy water quality.
A predator fence was then erected to protect ground-nesting birds and fish within the fence from the active Otter populations in the area.
The finished site was then re-seeded with wild flower grass seed finishing off the newly restored site.
THE OUTCOME
Water quality
Now matured, the Ph of Bridge Pool has neutralised, and opportunity for oxygen diffusion maximised, allowing aerobic bacterial processes to recycle pollutants into healthy fertiliser for exceptional pond productivity.
Removing the shade-casting trees has given life to the pond. Receiving sunlight all day long has triggered healthy algal blooms that feed the start of a thriving food chain, essential for the restoration of a balanced ecosystem.
FLORA
The pond looks fantastic in the late Spring as the marginal Yellow Flag Iris come into flower, complimented by the wild-flower grass seed spread over the re-landscaped top-soil which gives a fleck of colour across the sun-blushed landscape.
FAUNA
Bridge Pool has become a hugely fertile pond supporting the natural reproduction of restored fish populations.
The Pool is now regularly visited by Moorhen, Duck, Kingfisher, Heron, Egret, Swans and Geese. The Otters have also been spotted using the brook around the pond, but have not compromised the species within the secure perimeter of the pond.
A hugely rewarding project which is now enjoyed by many of the locals using the footpath alongside Bridge Pool.
