Mags/FoLP

Scottowes Pond needs a clean up

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Help! The pond is dying and needs your help!

Skottowes Pond was dug out in the early 18th Century and it’s in desperate need of cleaning up. The pond is approximately 120m long and 40m at its widest point, with concrete edging and a path running around its entire edge. Water is supplied by a borehole, licensed by the Environment Agency, which feeds the pond’s fountain. The pond water feeds into the the River Chess

The problem:

  • The run-off from the main road through Chesham, running adjacent to the pond, means the pond has been contaminated with what is now considered toxic waste. This silt could be removed, but the costs are stratospheric. We are looking into alternatives to cover the silt.
  • Water levels in the pond have lowered due to the silting and there is a lack of aquatic vegetation for wildlife.
  • The pond is overly dominated with domestic geese that have been abandoned in the park. In a recent survey of the park, over 60% of respondents said that the wildfowl populations were too high. In consultation with the Friends of Lowndes Park, park users referred to the fact that they didn’t eat lunch near the pond as they were harassed by the geese and some parents didn’t take their children there because of the proliferation of goose excrement.
  • The island has been eroded by overuse caused by the proliferation of mostly domestic fowl.
  • There is little or no aquatic planting to encourage wildlife.
  • The path around the pond is deteriorating and is in need of repair. The footpath along the western side of the pond is narrow and this can make it difficult for people to pass other path users.

Our Plans:

We are encouraging the Council to work with us to follow the masterplan and progress the renovation of Skottowes Pond. We will be applying for grants and raise donations for the work. There is also a policy for waterfowl management that has been drafted by the Council and will be developed in consultation with the public.

In addition we’d love to:

  • Improve access around the pond
  • Suppress the silt
  • Establish an area of aquatic planting to encourage greater biodiversity in the pond area
  • Stabilise the island, replant and create more foliage cover

If you can help, please donate or get involved.
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