A new lease of life for Cheshunt Park pond
The chainsaws and diggers are going in to Cheshunt Park in November but don't be alarmed because they've a good reason to be there. A large pond close to the site of the former Debenham's mansion is about to receive a new lease of life.
The Borough of Broxbourne and the Countryside Management Service are restoring the silted up and shady pond as part of a programme of improvements that has recently seen a new surfaced path laid for families with buggies and wheelchair users.
The work is required because fallen leaves and silt have accumulated in the pond and reduced the amount and quality of the water. This has forced out creatures including Great Crested Newts, a nationally rare and protected species found in other ponds in the Park.
The contractors will use their machinery to take the silt to a temporary holding area. Here, it will be left to dry out until next spring when a local farmer will remove it and spread it on his fields.
Meanwhile, tree surgeons will remove selected trees and cut back others on the south side of the pond. Some of the trunks will be arranged to make seats around the pond and stacks of cut branches will become hibernation sites for reptiles. Three distinctive Scots Pines and one native oak will stay. Additional light will reach the pond and help natural vegetation to establish around the edges.
The work is part of a £150,000 scheme to improve access and enjoyment and benefit wildlife at this Green Flag park. The funding has come from the a Heritage Lottery Fund grant and the Borough of Broxbourne who own the site. The Countryside Management Service is organising most of the work and activities. Members of the Friends of Cheshunt Park are also getting involved with some of the projects.
Contact Dieter Iwan of the Countryside Management Service for further information on 01462 459395 or dieter.iwan@hertscc.gov.uk
Visit Cheshunt Park on a guided walk, Sunday 11 November, 10am – 12 noon. Alder, beech, cedar……You can find trees whose names begin with most letters of the alphabet at Cheshunt Park. The site's management has resulted in a fine selection of native, ornamental and orchard trees. Come and see them on a 3 mile (5km) guided walk with the Countryside Management Service. Meet at Cheshunt Park car park in Park Road, Cheshunt.
