Description

The “Lily Pond” is a wetland area bordered by trees which lies to the South of the main area of woodland, near the A1 and connected to the woodland via the main public footpath.

Background

The Lily Pond is believed to have been created at the time the estate was established, possibly as a shooting feature but also as a means to control water levels in the wood.  The dam wall and sluice gates which connect to the main drainage system for the wood are now in a dangerous state of repair.  Water levels have clearly fluctuated in recent years.  However, evidence suggests that the water level used to be much higher with the extent of the pond significantly bigger than at present (probably occupying most of this area).  Tree species in the area include: Willow, Elder, Spruce, Sycamore and Rhododendron.

This area has been one of the most affected by the housing development.  It is now totally surrounded by housing on three sides.  A large sewer has been installed across the area effectively dividing it into two parts, permanently disrupting drainage and also disturbing the root systems of many trees adjacent to the line of the excavation.  A new pipe into the main pond area has been installed which significantly detracts from the amenity value of the pond itself, while fencing on the A1 side of the pond prevents public access around it.  This area has also suffered badly from litter and dumping of materials.

The pond was previously surrounded by open fields and was believed to be prone to eutrophication.  As a result, lilies have not grown on the water for many years.  Both the development of the new A1 and also the housing development will have had implications for drainage into it.  The impact of these developments on water quality is unknown.

In previous years, Herons, Moor-hens and Coots have been regularly spotted in the main pond area.  Bats and Roe Deer are also common.  A long-established Badger Set exists on the northern edge of the main pond area, though it is not known how often – if at all – this is currently used.  Nevertheless, following advice from SNH a Badger Tunnel was installed on the new A1 to provide access for Badgers to the Woodland.  The area of the Miller development that runs adjacent to the bridleway is also to be managed to allow for Badger access and is to be planted with a mixture of tree species.

Informal paths – often blocked in summer by undergrowth – link the area to the bridleway and the primary path network of the woodland.  Access to the woods from the housing on either side of the development has been planned for, but not yet opened up.

Discussion of Management Options

Compared to other parts of the wood, the possible management of this area has received little detailed consideration.  Apart from some basic management prescriptions for its woodland element and also its inclusion as part of the secondary path network to be developed in later years, the management plan prepared by Wilson and Associates on behalf of Lochend Developments does not refer directly to it.  Nevertheless, it is clear that some consideration was given by the developers to filling the pond area in on health and safety grounds (and also no doubt as a means of disposing of excess material).  This option has been rejected by the DCWG on the grounds that it would destroy a unique part of the woodland, decrease the diversity of wildlife in the area and its potential amenity value.

Another possible management option would be to “non-manage” the pond area, effectively letting nature takes its course.  Such a course of action would eventually lead to most of the wetland area drying up.  Access to it would become increasingly more difficult as the surrounding scrub became more established.  The impacts on wildlife of this option are not known.  The area would still potentially be liable to flooding and health and safety issues would remain even if the dam and sluice gate were restored or removed.  While a few people voiced some support for this as part of the participatory appraisal exercise, most indicated support for more active management.  It is also unlikely that residents adjacent to the area would welcome this as a long-term option.

The final option – and one which received most support in the participatory appraisal exercise – would be to “actively manage” the area to restore the pond and create better access into and around the area.  For example, students from Dunbar Primary School wanted a pond for wildlife (including ducks, fish and frogs) and a bird-hide.  Comments from adults surveyed included support for preserving the dam and also generally for management which favoured a diverse range of wildlife.

Against this background, it is proposed that the favoured management option should be to actively manage this area, restore the pond and to improve access to it thus improving its value as a resource for wildlife and people to enjoy.  Such a management option will be expensive to pursue but should attract funding from a range of sources, notably the Greenspace for Communities programme.  Because of the special management challenge this area now represents, it is proposed to develop this area as a special project within the overall management plan.

Main Elements of the Proposed management approach

Subject to further consultation with the community/relevant public bodies and a detailed survey of the area, the following elements of management are proposed:

• Restoring the main part of the pond by deepening and extending it, creating various water levels and islands, and by restoring the dam and sluice structures.
• Managing water levels in the rest of the area to create a substantial area of semi-permanent wetland (‘carr’).
• Removal of Rhododendron and Sycamore together with any dangerous trees and the active thinning of the remaining woodland.
• Opening up access from both sides of the housing development and creating a ‘figure of eight path’ network around the area including a board walk section to provide new access to the south of the pond.  To hide the new pipe and to re-route most people away from the badger set.  A board walk across the carr area could also be established to open up access to this area.

Other ideas which have been suggested include taking the willow pegs to create a nursery and to create a hide to watch pond wildlife. The peat within the area could also be dug up and sold to finance the management of the area.

Next Steps

Following consultation on these proposals, the next steps for developing the management of this area are:

• To undertake a more detailed hydrological, ecological and historical survey of the area.
• To prepare a more a detailed and costed management plan.
• To assemble funding packages.

These steps could be concluded during the Autumn allowing for active management of this area to take place in the spring of 2005.

Pete Rawcliffe
August 2004