The Jubilee Pond in August 2012
Since the inauguration of the Jubilee Pond by Sir David
Attenborough in May, Healthy Planet have been
matching pound for pound every donation given to this freshwater
project in Richmond Park. The generosity of Healthy Planet and
Friends of Richmond Park supporters has meant that the excavation
of the pond is fully funded with the planting to be completed in
autumn.
The aim of the pond is to create a new freshwater habitat within
the park to support many water-loving plant and tree species that
in turn provide habitat for the parks native wildlife including
invertebrates, amphibians, birds and bats. It also aims to retain
water in the Park, to help to counteract the effects of climate
change.
The excavation of the pond was far from simple with heavy rains
hampering its progress and a live WWII grenade being found in the
earth resulting in a visit from the bomb squad!
Despite the setbacks the team worked hard completed the pond
construction at the end of July, it is currently being left to fill
with water. Once ready the team will be planting a whole range of
native marginal aquatic plants, sourced from Isabella Plantation,
including Common Scullcap, Water Mint, Water Iris, Hard and Soft
Rush, Gypsywort and Purple Loosestrife. There will also be Alder
and Black Poplar trees to create an area of shading over the pond
to increase its biodiversity.
Royal Parks head ecologist Dr.
Nigel Reeve shows us the expected water level
The pond sits next to Richmond
Parks 300m wide Olympic Rings! See image
here
It is fantastic to watch the development of a new freshwater
habitat in a London National Nature Reserve, from Sir David
Attenborough's first spade of earth to its transformation into a
vital new home for the parks biodiversity.
Thank you to both the Healthy Planet and Friends of Richmond
Park supporters!
If you would like to donate towards the planting of the pond
please adopt-a-plot on the map here.
Sir David Attenborough
inaugurates the Jubilee Pond on May 15th 2012
Liz Coleman image
- by Olivia Couchman, Conservation Coordinator