Five Go Fettling a Pond

On Saturday October 28th, five of us met up at West Beckham Old Allotments to do some further work on the pond that had been dug by the Marsh volunteers at the last work party.

Storm Babet had half-filled the pond already, so we were able to start tidying up the edges and trimming the liner. We removed the turf from beneath the liner, and then created raised banks around the edge of the pond, before relaying the turf to cover the liner. Susan gathered some round stones to create an easy exit for any creatures that might fall in the pond. As a spin-off from the pond construction, we began to make a hibernaculum using the sharp stones that have been excavated. When complete, this will create habitat for hibernating reptiles and amphibians.

Whilst we were at work, there was a constant stream of winter thrushes, flying over southwards, having migrated in over the sea overnight. A few of them stopped off for a rest in the trees at WBOA. Trevor counted 350 Fieldfares and 235 Redwings, and he also reported sighting a Meadow Pipit – a new record for the site – and a male Yellowhammer.

Val Stubbs

October 29th 2023