Gladsmuir Pond

Restoration works at Gladsmuir Pond

Work has now started to renovate Gladsmuir Pond, which was historically used as a cattle pond.  Following the dry summer, the pond has had no water in it, and this has allowed us to look closely at the plants and banks.  Apart from the ever-invading bullrushes and other reeds, several of the plants are in fact invasive or foreign species, including Pygmy Weed (which comes from New Zealand) and Parrots Feather (which is native to Central and South America). In several places the banks have been worn away and need remediation.  We also know that the pond is home to rare amphibians, who use it principally during their spring breeding season, so a lot of care is needed.  With the bed exposed, and little risk of upsetting wildlife, now is a good time to do the work.

Our contractors, Maydencroft, who recently carried out the repair work on Jack’s Lake, started work on 26th October, and the project will last about a week,  Using some specialist equipment, and carefully containing and removing the invasive species (Invasive Non-Native Species, or INNS), the team will also remediate the edges of the pond, and cut back the bullrushes and reeds.  The aim is to allow for around a quarter of the pond to still have reeds, but for the rest to be clear for wildlife.  At the end of the project, they will put in place a pondside planting scheme that will improve migratory corridors to the woodlands for amphibians, whilst remaining in keeping with its heritage and appearance as a cattle pond.