Restoring the Dew Pond

It was exciting to discover the 'cobble' stone base and the edge of the pond under the turf.

On the morning of the 31st August, as the sun gradually broke through the clouds a hoard of spade carrying people could be spied wandering up from the Pittywood farm track over the stile and onto Wild Maple Field.

Once again the weather was set fair for our second work party.

It was another lovely session, this time working together to create the ever widening pond, and revealing the mainly intact paving of the dew pond once created sometime before the 1930’s.

There were those who dug and lifted impressive pieces of earth and grass, and others who worked more archaeological-like, using a trowel to remove soil and reveal the paving below.

On our way we unearthed ‘treasures’ such as part of an ancient pitchfork – very rusty! - a huge metal bar from an old tractor, some rope and old plastic bags.

It was a real joy to be restoring something which was not only historical but which will provide such a wonderful habitat for nature, and as we sat and enjoyed our sandwiches in the sun, a huge dragonfly flew over, as if checking out our work, and promising she (and her descendants) would be back! 

We will continue this wonderful work on Wednesday 13th September. 10.30 onwards.

Click the button below to go to the event and for details of what to bring.