BISHOPS WALTHAM NORTH POND CONSERVATION GROUP
RESTORATION WORK COMPLETED
We have completed our final major project of the restoration - the "All Year Water" project. This has created an area of permanent water at the southern end of the North Pond. Up to 2 metres of silt was removed to provide a year round wetland area for birds, wildlife and fish as well as enjoyment for the general public in the new Viewing Area. The new Viewing Area was formally opened by the Mayor of Winchester on 28th April 2018.
A new book has just been launched which describes the story of the Restoration of the North Pond.
To get your copy
"All YEAR WATER" PROJECT
Silt was removed during Phase 1 and the excavated area now holds water when the rest of the North Pond is dry. The silt banks created from the excavated silt were allowed to settle, then levelled and graded.
Once levelled a Public access and Viewing Area was created in Phase 2. Paths were laid, a picnic table and bench seats were installed, meadows were created and information boards installed.
As a group we could not have completed this work without financial support. The silt removal was done in Autumn 2016 while the pond was dry. This was only possible with the generous donations received. Over £21,000 was raised which enable us to carry out Phase 1. For Phase 2, to create the Public viewing area, we were fortunate to be awarded two grants as well as generous local support with financial donations and donations in kind, such as the bench seats, picnic table and information boards.Donations for ongoing work are always welcome. If you are able to contribute the easiest way is to make a donation via our BT MyDonate donations page:
BT MyDonate automatically collects Gift Aid for us (if the donation is eligible), which increases your donation by 25%
More information about completing Phase 1 and creating the Public Viewing Area in Phase 2 is available here: Creating the Viewing Area
More overall information about the "All Year Water" project is available here: All Year Water
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The regular weekly Work Parties restarted in September. Now that the restoration projects have been completed the work parties concentrate on maintenance work.
The plan for the autumn/winter work parties includes:
1. Cutting back willow scrub which has regrown
2. Clearing the channel from where it enters the N Pond to the sluice
3. Keeping the sluice clear while the stream is flowing
4. Cutting back grass overgrowing path edge along the Corhampton Road
5. Maintaining the two viewing areas
If you can attend then please call David Mclean or Barry Jerome who organise the work parties (see 'contacts' on the home page) to add your name to the volunteer list, or just turn up on the day. An email is sent out to volunteers notifying the date of the next work party with the plans of work. If bad weather is expected then the workparty may be cancelled. They are morning work parties starting at 10am for 2 to 2.5 hours. Meet at the Corhampton Road lay-by at 10am. COMPLETED WORK Barry Jerome (Chairman): 01489 894137 Eric Birbeck: 01489 896649 David Mclean (Work Parties): 01489 891911 or email to: