Pond restoration and improvements starting September 2019

Updated to reflect change of start date from 16th to 30th September

As reported earlier in the year, we are delighted to be working with Froglife, who have secured funding for restoration and habitat improvements for Ruskin Park’s main pond from the Mayor of London and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Froglife are also helping with our project to improve the Wildlife Garden, leading our Community Gardening mornings in June and July, with plans to return in October and November.

Main Pond

An experienced contractor is planned to start work on Monday 30th September, lasting for one or two weeks. The main pond will undergo full restoration with the aim of making it a better habitat for amphibians and other wildlife.

This will include re-profiling and deepening sections of the pond to create gently sloping banks and shallow marginal shelves. A digger will be on site for the works.

The contractor will also remove or reduce non-native vegetation and add native plants where possible. A hard standing will be created at one edge to make is easier to access for future maintenance.

Wildlife Garden

In the Wildlife Garden, Froglife will undertake pond clearance where necessary and help us create ‘scrapes’ – shallow indentations –  in the area at the front of the pond that often becomes waterlogged. This should create a better habitat for invertebrates and birds while helping manage fluctuating water levels.

If you have any questions, please email us at info@friendsofruskinpark.org.uk.