Planting to start at South Pond
April 20, 2018
The next stage of work to improve South Pond, Midhurst will start in May when native aquatic plants including ragged robin, marsh marigold and yellow water lily will be planted around and on the southern islands. These areas will then be netted to prevent ducks and geese from eating the young plants. The nets will be removed once the plants are established.
Planting will be carried out between 3 and 8 May 2018 by the South Downs Volunteer Ranger Service and South Pond Group. The plants will be spaced out to allow for both their growth and growth of seeds already in the soil. Their final heights will vary from between a few centimetres up to 60cm, enabling views across the pond from the banks.
Angela Ward, South Downs National Park ranger, said:
“We’re working with Chichester District Council and the volunteers, who kindly give up their time, so that this much-loved pond can be both a secure home for wildlife and a wonderful natural place for people to spend time. The plants will take a little while to get established but in the future they will provide colour and variety for the community to enjoy and food for local wildlife.”
The South Downs National Park Authority, Chichester District Council and the South Pond Group will continue to work together, with work to restrict unwanted regrowth of reed sweet grass until the end of 2018.
The South Pond Volunteers Group continue to give up their time to carry out a wide range of work around the pond. To find out more and join a monthly Saturday work party please email southpondgroup@gmail.com.