The pond existed prior to 1797 and appears to have been enlarged by about 50% between 1840 and 1879. It was probably an old clay pit and from the amount of silt removed this was possibly the first time it had really been cleared out. The base consists of a blue/grey glacial clay and the water is about 7 feet deep in the centre. Surprisingly, only two old items were found during the work - an iron "tyre" for a wooden cartwheel and an old horseshoe.
Before the renovation work started in September 2009 the area was a complete jungle of willows and other "weed" trees and the water that could be seen was murky and completely lifeless.
Less than one year later plants had re-colonised the water and frogs, toads, tadpoles, newts and numerous insects gradually appeared including more than ten different damsel/dragonflies. The surrounding area has been planted with native shrubs by volunteers from the village.
You are looking for a camouflaged tube close to the water’s edge so please take care if you have children with you. Please take your own pen as I forgot to put one in the box! There is parking close by.