Mindful of the impending sap rise in the trees and the tree canopy starts to flourish, we got the permission from Barby Townlands and Educational Charity to do some early work on site before our lease commenced.
One area we identified early on was to open up the dew pond in upper camps copse so that some direct sunlight would be able to reach it. Due to tree growth it has largely been in shade for many years when the tree canopy is full. By exposing the pond to sunlight it will help support a healthy ecosystem by improving water temperature and promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria. In time it will also provide a much better view of it!
What is a dew pond?
A dew pond is intended for watering livestock, they were very common before the days of mains water and water troughs. The one situated in the upper part of Camps Copse is believed to be very old and for cattle watering. It is believed that it may be brick lined which would have been to try to minimise cattle from churning up the mud at the bottom of the pond.
The pond before
The pond after
Hedge laying
After cutting back all the excess growth we were left with a large amount of branches. Part of the hedge we laid in place, this will continue to grow as the trunks were not completely severed and maintain a live natural barrier to the water ditch that runs behind it.
A large amount of the remainder of branches from the pruning we used to lay a dead hedge through the middle of Camps Copse - this will decay and provide a habitat for a variety of insects and creatures.
Future plans
During the Summer of 2023 while the pond is dry, we hope to be able to dig out some of the pond and see what we are able to find in its depths. The weir which was created to form the pond is also damaged and will be repaired - this will increase the water height by 1 foot alone during the winter.