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Duck pond restored to former glory thanks to volunteers

Wed Mar 21, 2018 3:30 pm

Coundon beauty spot desperately needed de-silting

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The duck pond on the Coundon Wedge is a wildlife haven once more thanks to recent de-silting work.

The man-made Northbrook Pond has been in existence since Edwardian times and was probably a fishing pond for one of the large estate houses that used to exist in the Coundon area.

Ever since, it has been a focal point of the area and a haven for both people and wildlife. However, the pond has been gradually silting up.

Paul Liggins, chairman of the Allesley & Coundon Wedge Conservation Society (ACWCS) and with the support of The Coundon Wedge Clean Up volunteer group, approached Goodmans, the developers of the Browns Lane former Jaguar site, for help.

They agreed to fund the de-silting operation and duly contracted Hawksbridge Landscaping to carry out the works.

Work on the pond started on February 26 and took two weeks to complete, including dredging out over 1,500 tonnes of silt which has returned the pond to a depth of approximately 3ft and rebuilding the footpaths around the pool.

“The pond has been truly transformed and it will once again become a safe haven for wild fowl and a whole array of other species,” said Matthew Batson, on behalf of The Coundon Wedge Clean Up & ACWCS.

“This success just shows how effective local volunteer groups can be in bringing about positive change to our communities and environment.

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“Both The Coundon Wedge Clean Up group and the ACWCS are committed to working together and building on this and the many other successes we have had in maintaining and improving the Coundon Wedge for all of its users and we are always looking to welcome new volunteers and members.”

Anyone who would like to get involved or just find out more is invited to two events taking place soon.

The fifth Coundon Wedge Clean Up takes place on Saturday, March 24, from 1pm. Meet by the duck pond.

The following week, the ACWCS will be holding its AGM on Wednesday, March 28, at the Coundon Social Club at 7.30pm.

“Our work depends on the goodwill and dedication of local people so it would be great to see as many new faces as possible at both events,” Mr Batson added.

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