South Pond work to start on 30 January

South Pond work to start on 30 January

January 24, 2017

The first phase of work to correct planting on the northern edge of South Pond in Midhurst will begin on Monday 30 January. The work, which should take a week, will include removing reeds and silt to restore viewpoints and create open water.

Restoration of the South Pond has been carried out in partnership by Chichester District Council, who own the pond, the South Downs National Park Authority and the South Pond Group, made up of local volunteers. In December 2016 the National Park Authority acknowledged that, despite best intentions, some mistakes had been made with the planting and these will now be fixed.

For the time being reeds and silt will be moved to the north east corner of the pond, and other sites as necessary. A second phase of spraying or cutting later in the year will be used to remove those reeds that can’t be reached by machinery. The entire northern edge will be monitored and further action, such as cutting and spraying, will take place if necessary on any regrowth.

Andrew Lee, Director of Countryside and Policy for the South Downs National Park Authority, said:
“We want this project to meet the needs of wildlife and the people of Midhurst who love the pond. This will not be immediate, nature takes time to adjust but in due course we can look forward to a place where grandparents enjoy taking their grandchildren out for walk and local school children can discover a variety of wildlife.”

Cllr Roger Barrow, Cabinet Member for Contract Services at Chichester District Council, added:
“We are really pleased that the project is moving forward in the right direction and that local residents will soon start to see a difference. We want to continue to support this project so that the whole community can benefit from, and enjoy, this much loved community pond.”

The anticipated cost of these works is £6,636.00 which will be met by the South Downs National Park Authority and Chichester District Council.